Reynolds Fight

Reynolds Fight -  Battle on Powder River 

In 2026, Powder River Country is situated to take its place on an important historical stage. In addition to America’s semi-quincentennial celebrated across the nation, 2026 also marks the 150th anniversary of the uniquely significant Battle of Powder River or “Reynolds Fight”, which took place on March 17, 1876 within 35 miles of the present day Broadus community.  This disastrous attack on a Northern Cheyenne-Oglala camp led by US Army Col Joseph J Reynolds was the first battle of the Great Sioux War of 1876-77, catalyzing conflicts that led to the famous Battle of the Little Bighorn. 

The Reynolds Fight on the Powder River is likely the most important historical event in Powder River County. The Great Sioux War of 1876 is one of the greatest tourism draws in SE Montana, with its first conflict being the Reynolds Fight. The Reynolds Fight occurred in March 1876, when General George Crook was ordered to bring Crazy Horse and Sitting Bull back to reservations. Several of Crook's companies advanced ahead of the supply trains under the command of Colonel Joseph J. Reynolds, who was under strict orders to seize Native horses and supplies. On March 17, guided by talented scouts led by Frank Grouard, Reynolds ordered an attack on an (essentially) unsuspecting village that they believed to be Crazy Horse's camp along the Powder River. It was not Crazy Horse's camp but was a large contingent of (mostly) Cheyenne camped for the winter under the leadership of Old Bear and Two Moons. During the battle, four US Army enlisted soldiers were killed and were left on the field of battle. The attack secured the large pony herd of the Cheyenne, but most of the village escaped into the brutal winter conditions. 

Reynolds' decisions and actions during the fight were very controversial at the time and remain so to this day. Reynolds ordered the village's supplies (including food and buffalo robes) destroyed in contravention of Crook's orders. During the slow maneuvers returning to Crook's camp, the Cheyenne regained much of the lost pony herd. This battle had an enormous impact on both the US Government and the Native Americans. Reynolds abandonment of casualties (some were still alive) considerably impacted morale and recruiting in the months approaching Custer's disaster at Little Big Horn. The battle's impact from the Native perspective is even more consequential. The village's leaders initially intended to return to the reservations the following spring, but the attack persuaded this large group to join Crazy Horse's alliance. Colonel JJ Reynolds and several officers faced court martial after the results of the debacle became known. 

Our newest exhibit, “Reynolds Fight – Battle on Powder River - A Human & Military Disaster” commemorates the 150th anniversary of the Battle of Powder River. Curated by author-historian Shane Dunning with input from the Northern Cheyenne Cultural Commission, the interpretive display aims to foster a deeper public understanding of the battle’s historical significance. Funded through museum donations and grants from the Powder River Community Endowment Fund and The Foundation for Montana History, the exhibit features battlefield artifacts, a 75% scale replica of the 1934 Battlefield Monument, and a dual-perspective interpretive timeline that presents both military records and Northern Cheyenne narratives.  

“The Reynolds Fight shaped the history of this region in lasting ways,” organizers said. “This exhibit brings together military history, Northern Cheyenne perspectives, and local storytelling to create meaningful educational experiences that honor the people, places, and stories connected to this land.”

Photo Credits: Great Falls Tribune article on the Warrior Trail.