Tuesday, May 30

Today the Dakota Column remained encamped along the Little Missouri, while Custer took a force of four companies of troopers and the Arikara scouts on a reconnaissance mission, riding twenty miles upriver before stopping for lunch, and returning in the afternoon in what had more the feel of a picnic than a military operation. General Terry remained behind in camp, overseeing preparations to cross the river the next day and reflecting in his letters on the beautiful flora of the area.

A view of the badlands near the Little Missouri River
Marching Through History

In Montana, a small force of Crow scouts was sent across the river to harass the Sioux and attempt to steal horses, but returned quickly empty-handed, having narrowly avoided a large war party on the southern bank of the Yellowstone.

For the Wyoming Column today saw Crook approaching the Powder River. After locating a suitable ford with the assistance of scout Frank Grouard the column continued its march northward, covering about twenty miles and camping along the South Cheyenne River. According to diarist John Bourke, the conditions were unpleasant, with a trickle of alkaline water in the area, and generally cold and miserable conditions.

1. Dakota Column - CUSTER/TERRY - North Dakota Badlands/Little Missouri River

2. Wyoming Column - CROOK - South Cheyenne River

3. Montana Column - GIBBON - Yellowstone River/Rosebud Creek

4. Sioux Encampment - US Intelligence position - Little Missouri River

5. Sioux Encampment - Actual position - Rosebud Creek