Battle of Dry Lake facts for kids

The Battle of Dry Lake was a really important fight during the Modoc War in 1873. It was the first big win for the United States army against the Modoc Indians in northern California. This battle caused the Modoc groups to split up. It was also the last major battle of the Modoc War.

Why the Battle Happened

In May 1873, Colonel Jefferson C. Davis took charge of the U.S. Army in the region. He decided to lead the soldiers himself. His goal was to capture Captain Jack, a Modoc leader. Captain Jack and his group were moving southeast from the Lava Beds. U.S. cavalry soldiers arrived and set up camp near a lake. They found the lake had no water, so they named it Dry Lake.

The Battle Begins

At dawn on May 10, a small group of Modoc warriors attacked the U.S. camp. The rest of the Modoc fighters took positions on the bluffs above the lake. The U.S. soldiers were surprised. They quickly got out of their blankets. They took cover behind anything they could find. This allowed them to get their gear ready.

Fighting on the Bluffs

The officers quickly brought order back to the camp. Native American scouts from the Warm Springs tribe were sent to go around the Modoc fighters. The rest of the U.S. soldiers were ordered to charge the bluffs. The soldiers paused at the bottom of the bluff. They were unsure about attacking such a strong position. But for the first time in the Modoc War, U.S. troops charged. They successfully drove the Modoc warriors from the bluff.

Modoc Retreat

The Modoc warriors fled very quickly. The Warm Springs scouts had not even made it around their flanks yet. One important Modoc warrior, Ellen's Man George, was killed during the fight. The U.S. soldiers chased the Modocs for about 4 miles. However, they were tired and running out of water. So, they stopped their pursuit.

What Happened After

The Battle of Dry Lake marked the beginning of the end for the Modoc War. Colonel Davis was pleased with his soldiers' actions. He reported that they did not run away when the Modocs first attacked. An article in the Army and Navy Journal praised Davis. It said his leadership improved the army's operations.

Modoc Leaders Split

The defeat of Captain Jack and the death of Ellen's Man greatly affected the Modocs. A disagreement grew among their leaders. Hooka Jim, Bogus Charley, and Scarface Charley blamed Captain Jack for Ellen's Man's death. They decided to leave Captain Jack's group and headed west. Captain Jack and Schonchin John stayed at Big Sandy Butte.

Captain Jack's Surrender

Later that month, Bogus Charley and Hooka Jim surrendered to Colonel Davis. They promised to help Davis capture Captain Jack. Finally, in June 1873, Captain Jack surrendered.