Battle of Powder River, Montana
The Battle of Powder River, a pivotal event marking the commencement of the Black Hills War, unfolded in the rugged terrain of Montana in March 1876. This clash pitted the forces of the U.S. Army against the combined might of the Sioux and Cheyenne tribes, setting the stage for a protracted and consequential conflict. Brigadier General George Crook, leading the U.S. Army contingent, initiated the advance northward from Fort Fetterman, Wyoming, setting in motion the events that would culminate in the Battle of Powder River, also referred to as the Reynolds Battle.
Prelude to Conflict: A Trail of Discovery
As General Crook’s expedition ventured into the unfamiliar territory, their attention was drawn to a discernible Indian trail. Recognizing the potential significance of this discovery, General Crook entrusted Colonel Joseph J. Reynolds with a crucial mission. Reynolds, accompanied by six troops from the 2nd and 3rd Cavalry, was tasked with tracing the trail to its origin, with the anticipation of locating a Native American village at its terminus.
Dawn Raid: A Calculated Assault
On the fateful morning of March 17, the scouts assigned to Colonel Reynolds’ command pinpointed the location of a Native American village nestled within the Powder River Valley. Acting swiftly upon this intelligence, Colonel Reynolds formulated a strategic plan for an immediate assault. The plan entailed dividing his forces into distinct groups, each with a specific objective.
One group was assigned the task of ascending the steep bluffs overlooking the valley, with the aim of preventing the inhabitants of the village from escaping. Two additional groups were designated to launch a direct attack on the village from divergent directions, thereby creating a multi-pronged assault. The final group was charged with the capture of the village’s extensive horse herd, estimated to comprise approximately 1,000 animals.
Unforeseen Challenges: A Delayed Offensive
As the assault unfolded, unforeseen challenges emerged, disrupting Colonel Reynolds’ meticulously crafted plan. The distance to the village proved to be greater than initially anticipated, resulting in a delay for some of the attacking groups. Consequently, only one group managed to launch an immediate charge on the village, while the remaining battalions lagged behind.
The inhabitants of the village, caught off guard by the sudden assault, reacted swiftly. They abandoned their lodges and sought refuge in the bluffs above the valley, from which they began to unleash a barrage of fire upon the troops below.
Amidst the Chaos: Destruction and Retreat
Upon his arrival at the scene, Colonel Reynolds found his troops under intense fire from the Native American warriors. In response, he issued orders to destroy everything within the village, including vital supplies such as food, blankets, buffalo robes, and ammunition. This decision proved controversial, as the dried buffalo meat and buffalo robes would have provided invaluable sustenance and warmth to the freezing and hungry soldiers, who were already on half rations.
For five grueling hours, the troops endured the relentless fire in the face of freezing temperatures and howling winds. Finally, at approximately 2:30 pm, with the village’s destruction complete, Colonel Reynolds ordered his soldiers to withdraw. In his haste to retreat, he made a critical error, leaving behind the bodies of three fallen soldiers, as well as a severely wounded private. The abandoned private was subsequently subjected to a brutal fate, reportedly "cut limb to limb" by vengeful Native Americans.
Aftermath: Casualties and Consequences
The Battle of Powder River resulted in casualties on both sides. The U.S. Army suffered four fatalities and six wounded soldiers, while a staggering 66 men were afflicted with frostbite due to the extreme weather conditions. The Cheyenne, on the other hand, sustained minimal losses, with only one warrior killed and another wounded.
Following the battle, the exhausted soldiers embarked on a grueling 20-mile march to Lodge Pole Creek, where they finally established an encampment. The next day, amidst another snowstorm, the Native Americans launched a successful counterattack, recapturing all but 100 of their horses.
Disappointment and Recrimination: A Setback for the Army
Colonel Reynolds’ troops eventually reunited with General Crook around noon. Discouraged by the setback, the shortage of supplies, and the unrelenting cold and deep snow, General Crook made the decision to lead the troops back to Fort Fetterman. Along the way, the column was subjected to constant harassment by Native Americans, who relentlessly stole back their ponies. In response, General Crook ordered the remaining horses to be killed. The troops finally reached Fort Fetterman on March 26, weary and demoralized.
Although the attack resulted in the destruction of a significant amount of Native American property, it was widely regarded as poorly executed. The battle likely strengthened the resolve of the Native Americans to resist the U.S. government’s efforts to force them to sell the Black Hills and relocate to reservations.
Court-Martial and Disgrace: The Fall of Colonel Reynolds
In the aftermath of the Battle of Powder River, General George Crook brought serious charges against Colonel Joseph Reynolds, accusing him of dereliction of duty. The charges included failing to adequately support the initial charge with his entire command, destroying captured supplies instead of preserving them for army use, and losing hundreds of captured horses.
In January 1877, Colonel Reynolds was court-martialed in Cheyenne, Wyoming. He was found guilty on all three charges and was subsequently relieved of his command, never to serve in the military again.
Preserving History: Reynold’s Battlefield Monument
Today, Reynold’s Battlefield Monument stands as a solemn reminder of the Battle of Powder River. The monument is located approximately 28 miles southwest of Broadus, Montana, along County Road 391, towards Moorhead Road.
A marker is situated near the northern edge of Moorhead, Montana, indicating the location of the battle site. The site can be accessed via an unimproved road approximately four miles northeast of Moorhead.