The Sioux wars intensified when gold was discovered in the Black Hills of
South Dakota in 1874.  This brought a massive influx of speculators, even
though the area had been guaranteed to the Sioux.  Fearing Indian attacks,
the government ordered the Sioux chiefs to come to their agencies to
discuss the situation.  The Sioux leader Crazy Horse refused.  In June
1876, on the Rosebud River in Montana, General George Crook attempted for
the second time to subdue Crazy Horse and his famed Confederation of Sioux
Warriors.  In a brilliant defense, Crazy Horse defeated Crook and forced
him to retreat on June 17.  The conflict became known as the Battle of the
Rosebud.  Eight days later, on June 25, Crazy Horse led these same
warriors against General Custer and h is troops at the Little Bighorn
River.