General George R. Crook in the West
Tour Description
Brigadier General George R. Crook (September 8, 1830-March 21, 1890) is popularly recognized as the quintessential 'Indian Fighter' of the late nineteenth century. He frequented the entire 'Intermountain Region', especially the top of the Colorado Plateau during the conflict with the Apache, and in Wyoming and Montana during the war against the Sioux and Northern Cheyenne. Upon close inspection, General Crook's philosophy was much more complicated and sympathetic toward the plight of his Indian adversaries. As a regimental commander, Colonel Crook led the 36th Ohio Infantry to the battle known as Second Bull Run. After his promotion to Brigade Commander, Crook commanded his men in the epic battles of Antietam and Chicamauga. Following the Civil War, in 1871 General Crook was assigned to the unenviable task of forcing the multiple Apache tribes in the Arizona territory onto reservations. After the completion of this assignment, his 5th Cavalry was ordered North to support the 2nd and 7th Cavalry Regiments in pursuing the Sioux and Northern Cheyenne.
General Crook's assignments stationed him at multiple Fort's within the Intermountain region. This tour includes, Fort Verde, Fort Apache, and Fort Fetterman. Featured along with these military installations are tours of one of his frequented routes, on Forest Service Road 300, and the site of a controversial engagement at Rosebud Creek, Montana.