Battle of Cedar Creek (1876) facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Cedar Creek
Part of the Great Sioux War of 1876
Date October 21, 1876 Location Cedar Creek, Montana Territory Result United States tactical victory
Belligerents
Sioux	United States Shoshone Crow
Commanders and leaders
Sitting Bull	Nelson A. Miles
Strength
~300	398
Casualties and losses
6 bodies recovered unknown wounded	2 killed 2 wounded

The Battle of Cedar Creek happened on October 21, 1876. It took place in the Montana Territory. This battle was fought between the U.S. Army and Lakota Sioux Native Americans. It was part of the Great Sioux War of 1876. The fight began after talks broke down. Colonel Nelson A. Miles and Chief Sitting Bull could not agree. Six days later, about 400 Lakota families surrendered to Colonel Miles. This included around 2,000 men, women, and children.

The Cedar Creek Battle Story

Colonel Miles's Journey West

In the summer of 1876, Colonel Nelson A. Miles led the 5th U.S. Infantry. They traveled from Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. They went up the Missouri River by boat. Their goal was to help stop the Sioux and Cheyenne tribes. These tribes had won a big battle earlier that summer. It was called the Battle of the Little Bighorn.

Miles later joined General Alfred Terry. They marched together up Rosebud Creek. Then they met with General Crook. The two groups moved east. They crossed the Tongue River. They reached the Powder River. Here, the two commanders split up. General Crook went south and east. He headed towards the Black Hills.

Supplies and Skirmishes

General Crook's troops were running low on food. Sometimes, they even had to eat horse meat to survive. Captain Anson Mills was sent to get supplies. He went to the Black Hills. In September, Mills's group fought and beat some Native American forces. This happened at the Battle of Slim Buttes.

After separating from General Crook, General Terry and Colonel Miles moved north. They went up Dry Creek. Then they moved east and south again. They finally reached Glendive, in Montana Territory. This town was on the Yellowstone River. The soldiers set up their winter camp there. Colonel Miles got winter gear for his troops. He also made a temporary base at the mouth of the Tongue River.

Wagon Train Attacks

Colonel Elwell S. Otis led a supply train. It had over 100 wagons. These wagons were sent from Glendive Creek. They were bringing supplies to Miles's troops. On October 11, Sioux warriors attacked the wagons. This happened near Spring Creek. They killed several mules. The wagons had to turn back for a short time.

The wagon train tried again to reach Miles. But the Native Americans attacked them again. This was along Spring Creek on October 15. This time, the wagon crews and their guards fought them off. They managed to keep going.

Meeting with Sitting Bull

Soon after, two Native American messengers approached Colonel Otis. They suggested that Miles meet with Sitting Bull. Sitting Bull was a respected spiritual leader of the Hunkpapa Sioux. Miles agreed to the meeting. He went to Cedar Creek, Montana Territory. This was north of the Yellowstone River.

On October 21, 1876, Miles met with Sitting Bull. They talked between the lines of soldiers and Native Americans. Sitting Bull wanted to trade for ammunition. He said his people needed it to hunt buffalo. He promised not to bother the soldiers if they didn't bother him. Miles told Sitting Bull that the government demanded surrender. Neither leader was happy with the other's demands. But they agreed to meet again the next day. They wanted to talk with their own people first.

Talks Break Down and Battle Begins

Some of Sitting Bull's chiefs wanted to stop fighting. They wanted to return to the reservations. But many others wanted to keep fighting. On October 21, the meeting started again. Sitting Bull again demanded that Miles and his soldiers leave. He also said no more wagon trains should enter Sioux territory. He even threatened to kill any chief who wanted to go back to the reservations.

The talks quickly failed. Both leaders went back to their forces. Soon, gunfire started. After a quick fight, Sitting Bull's forces pulled back. The army said they chased the Lakota for about 42 miles (68 km). They collected lots of dried meat, lodge poles, camp gear, ponies, and weapons. On October 27, over 400 families surrendered to Miles. This included about 2,000 people. They peacefully returned to their reservations. However, some of Sitting Bull's followers went north to Canada. Miles planned to chase them through the winter.

Who Fought at Cedar Creek

United States Army

Colonel Nelson A. Miles led the U.S. Army forces.

• 5th United States Infantry Regiment, Companies A, B, C, D, E, G, H, and I.
• Crow and Shoshone Scouts.

Native Americans

Chief Sitting Bull led the Native American forces.

• Lakota Sioux warriors.

Brave Actions: Medal of Honor

Many soldiers showed great bravery during this time. Some were recognized with the Medal of Honor. This is the highest military award for courage. For example, Private Henry Rodenburg of Company A received the Medal of Honor. He helped keep settlers safe in the area. Another brave soldier was First Sergeant Henry Hogan of Company G. He was one of only 19 people to receive the Medal of Honor twice. These awards were given for their brave actions at Cedar Creek and nearby areas.