Near Medora in Billings County, North Dakota — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
A Skirmish at Sully's Waterhole
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 6, 2024
1. A Skirmish at Sully's Waterhole Marker
After two long days traversing the bone-dry badlands, General Alfred Sully's Northwest Indian Expedition was desperate for a drink, anxious to rest near water. The Sioux took advantage of the thirsty column, sniping at the soldiers in camp on the Little Missouri River and here at Sully's Waterhole.
August 7, 1864
The Sioux, joined by a few Northern Cheyenne, badgered Sully's command at their camp near present-day Sully Creek State Park. Sully moved his men three miles upstream and pitched camp again near the mouth of Davis Creek, but the Sioux continued their annoying forays throughout the day
August 8, 1864
Sully, aware that the rugged badlands were ideal for the Sioux mode of fighting, expected continued contact as his command crossed the Little Missouri River. Stretched our some three
this page online
The engagement continued throughout the day and into the evening. The army camped near a stagnant pool of rainwater described by Corporal John Strong as :thin mud in a couple of holes..." where Sully reported there was "quite a brisk little skirmish, the Indians trying to keep us from the only water we had that day..."
Just before sundown some Sioux warriors charged the soldier's camp at Sully's Waterhole but were discouraged by rifles and cannons, and the tired troops settled down to a tense night.
Continue to drive to Square Butte for more on the Battle of Badlands story.
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Prelude to the Badlands Battle
Mid-July, 1864. Sully's men build Fort Rice, southeast of present-day Bismarck, then headed west intent on punishing any Sioux they could find for conflicts in Minnesota. Scouts returned false reports of Sioux attacks, increasing Sully's desire to retaliate.
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, July 6, 2024
2. A Skirmish at Sully's Waterhole Marker
The poorly-armed Sioux were not anxious to fight, but as word spread of the advancing cavalry, the Hunkpapa and Santee Sioux and others who had gathered in a large village at Killdeer Mountain, prepared to defend their homeland and families.
July 28-August 4. Sully's soldiers engaged the Indians in the Battle of Killdeer Mountain. No match for the soldiers' superior weaponry, some bands retreated south to the Little Missouri River.
After destroying the Indians' camp, the soldiers backtracked to their Heart River camp, and then resuming their westward trek. The warriors continued to harass the army with sniping and attempted horse raids.
August 5. Sully camped on the brink of the "grand dismal and majestic" badlands, probably near Painted Canyon.
August 6. The command descended into the maze of hills and gorges below, lowering wagons with ropes, wrecking several in the process.
In Search of Sully
Forest Service researchers discovered artifacts from the Battle of the Badlands while surveying the area for other military sites. Use of GPS technology to map the location of artifacts and still-visible trail ruts has helped historians identify Sully's route and the positions of the combatants and artillery. By comparing this data with official reports, diaries, and personal accounts, historians are piecing together the battle's story.
Erected by Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Wars, US Indian. A significant historical date for this entry is August 7, 1864.
Location. 46° 51.856′ N, 103° 40.004′ W. Marker is near Medora, North Dakota, in Billings County. It is on Forest Road 7054 near West River Road (Forest Road 754). Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Medora ND 58645, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is on North Dakota’s Missouri Plateau. It is also in the American Lewis & Clark Corridor, on the prairies, and on the Northern Plains. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once Ruperts Land and also the Louisiana Purchase.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: The Soldiers and the Sioux / Time Travel on the Custer Trail (here, next to this marker); The Soldiers and the Sioux/Time Travel on the Custer Trail (approx. Ύ mile away); The Shooting of Riley Luffsey (approx. 7.2 miles away); Chateau de Mores (approx. 7.3 miles away); Medora Cemetery (approx. 7.3 miles away); Bad Lands Cantonment (approx. 7.3 miles away); Little Missouri: The Town (approx. 7.3 miles away); Frontier Military (approx. 7.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Medora.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 25, 2024. It was originally submitted on August 17, 2024, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 521 times since then and 55 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 17, 2024, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
