fell and temperatures dropped. Battle After shots were fired in the early morning hours, Miles set up a defensive perimeter along a ridge line that's most prominent feature was a small conical shaped knoll later called Battle Butte, positioning two pieces of artillery beside it, in front of a clear field of fire. At 7:00 a.m., Crazy Horse and Two Moon began a series of attacks on the soldiers. Frustrated by army firepower, the warriors regrouped several times to begin attacking again. Attempts to flank Miles' line also proved to be futile when Miles shifted his reserves to fill critical positions. Finally, Miles ordered several 5th Infantry companies to advance to a series of hills occupied by warriors. Miles' soldiers struggled in taking the hills, the matter being further complicated with deep snow. After soldiers secured seven of the hills the Sioux and Cheyenne withdrew as weather conditions deteriorated, leaving the field with a tactical draw. Aftermath Although a draw in many aspects, in effect the battle was a strategic victory for the U.S. Army, as it demonstrated that the Sioux and Cheyenne were not safe from the army even during the winter in harsh conditions. Many individuals began slipping away and returning to their reservations. By May, Crazy Horse had led his surviving band into Camp Robinson to surrender. Order of battle United States Army, (Colonel Nelson A. Miles, commanding) 5th U.S. Infantry Regiment Company A. Company C. Company D. Company E. Company K. Company B detachment. Company H detachment. 22nd U.S. Infantry Regiment: Lieutenant Colonel Elwell S. Otis Company E. Company F. Native Americans, Lakota Sioux and Northern Cheyenne. (Crazy Horse and Two Moon) Approximately 500 warriors. References 1877 in the United States Wolf Mountain Wolf Mountain Wolf Mountain Montana Territory 1877 in Montana Territory January 1877 events