Dull Knife Fight

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Dull Knife Fight

Part of the Black Hills War of the Indian Wars

Date	November 25, 1876
Location	Wyoming Territory
Result	U.S. victory

Combatants

United States of America
Pawnee

Cheyenne

Commanders

Ranald S. Mackenzie

Dull Knife
Little Wolf

Strength

1,000

400

Casualties

6 killed
26 wounded

25 killed
? wounded

Black Hills War
Powder River – Rosebud – Little Bighorn – Warbonnet Creek – Slim Buttes – Cedar Creek – Dull Knife Fight – Wolf Mountain

The Dull Knife Fight (or the Battle of Bates Creek) was a Great Plains battle in the Montana Territory between the United States Army and Cheyenne warriors led by Chief Dull Knife. The battle essentially ended the Cheyennes' ability to wage war.

After the battles of the Rosebud and Little Bighorn, Brig. Gen. George Crook received reinforcements and began to move up the Bozeman Trail against Crazy Horse. After learning of a Cheyenne war party, he sent Col. Ranald S. Mackenzie into the Wyoming Territory to find it.

Mackenzie, with about 1,000 troopers of the U.S. 2nd Cavalry Regiment, U.S. 3d Cavalry Regiment, U.S. 4th Cavalry Regiment, and U.S. 5th Cavalry Regiment and Pawnee warriors, found the camp of Dull Knife and Little Wolf along Bates Creek near the North Fork of the Powder River. The Cheyenne warriors were having a celebration of their own because of a recent victory over the Shoshone Indians. Mackenzie waited until dawn, then attacked and drove the warriors from the village. Some were forced to leave their clothes, blankets and buffalo robes behind and flee into the frozen countryside. Dull Knife began to offer stiff resistance, and savage fighting continued. The Pawnee warriors fought with exceptional ability, and the Cheyennes finally gave way and retreated from their village. The Indian village of 173 lodges and all its contents were entirely destroyed. About 500 ponies were captured. Lieut. J. A. McKinney, U.S. 4th Cavalry, was killed, along with five enlisted men.

The battle ended Cheyenne resistance for all practical purposes. Dull Knife's followers were left in the freezing weather without sufficient clothing, and many soon froze to death. Most surrendered shortly after, although several destitute holdouts managed to join the camp of Crazy Horse.