Warbonnet Battlefield Monument

Area Status: Open

An encounter between the 5th U.S. Calvary and a group of Cheyenne Indians took place near Warbonnet Creek on July 17, 1876. The Cheyenne were attempting to join the victors of the battle of the Little Bighorn three weeks earlier. The only fatality of that battle was the Cheyenne warrior, Yellow Hair, who was killed by Buffalo Bill Cody. The Warbonnet Monument, perched on a hill near Warbonnet Creek, recognizes the troops of the 5th U.S. Calvary. The Monument was destroyed in July of 1996 and rebuilt by volunteers in May of 1999. A short distance to the southeast you will find a stone Monument marking the confrontation between Cody and Yellow Hair. Parking is available just off of Road 958 with a short walk to both the Warbonnet Battlefield Monument and Cody Yellow Hair Monument.

Nearby feature: The former town of Montrose established in 1887 at the intersection of two former stage routes is located nearby. The Montrose Church constructed in 1887 and the cemetery are still maintained. Only one other structure from the town site still stands and is located across the road from the Church. Montrose had a post office from 1887 till 1948. The towns peak population was in 1910 with 24 inhabitants.

Title:	Yellowhair Monument
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Title:	Warbonnet Interpretive Area
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Title:	Warbonnet Monument
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At a Glance

Operational Hours:	Year-round
Fees:	No fee
Closest Towns:	Crawford, NE or Hot Springs, SD
Water:	No
Restroom:	No
Operated By:	Forest Service
Information Center:	Pine Ridge Ranger District (308) 432-0300

General Information

Directions:

From Hot Springs, SD take State Highway 71 south to intersection of Toadstool Road for 37 miles South to Hat Creek Road. Stay on Hat Creek Road for about 10 miles. Turn onto Forest Service Road 958 across from the church. From the small parking area it’s a short walk to the monuments.

From Crawford, NE take Highway 2 north from the intersection with Highway 20 for 4.2 miles. Turn west on Toadstool Road and travel for 12.4 miles to Orella Road. Take Orella Road for approximately 8 miles to Hat Creek Road. North on Hat Creek Road for approximately 3.5 miles to the Montrose Church. Turn onto Forest Service Road 958 located across from the church. From the parking area it’s a short walk to the monuments.

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