Battle of Fort Tularosa facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Fort Tularosa
Part of the Apache Wars, Victorio's War
Buffalo Soldiers monument at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.
Date May 14, 1880 Location Fort Tularosa, New Mexico 33°52′59″N 108°31′25″W / 33.88292°N 108.52351°W / 33.88292; -108.52351 Result United States victory
Belligerents
United States	Apache
Commanders and leaders
George Jordan	Victorio
Strength
26 cavalry	~100 warriors
Casualties and losses
none	unknown

The Battle of Fort Tularosa took place in May 1880. It happened near what is now the town of Aragon in New Mexico. This battle was part of a larger conflict called Victorio's War. During this time, Chiricahua Apache warriors, led by their chief Victorio, were trying to avoid being forced onto reservations. They attacked Fort Tularosa, which was north of San Francisco Plaza. However, a group of brave soldiers, known as Buffalo Soldiers, from the United States Army's 9th Cavalry, fought back. They were led by Sergeant George Jordan and successfully defended the fort.

Why the Battle Happened

On May 13, 1880, Sergeant George Jordan led a group of twenty-five soldiers. They were from K Troop of the 9th Cavalry. Their mission was to march towards New Mexico to protect Fort Tularosa. They also needed to bring supplies and set up a supply base. Most importantly, they were there to keep the local settlers safe.

Halfway to the fort, the soldiers received urgent news. They heard that Apache warriors, led by Victorio, might be attacking the townspeople very soon. Sergeant Jordan asked his troops if they were willing to march very fast to get there in time. Every single man agreed without hesitation.

George Jordan, a brave commander during the Battle of Fort Tularosa.

On the morning of May 14, 1880, Sergeant Jordan and his men arrived at Fort Tularosa. Even after their long, fast march, they found the town safe. The Apache forces had not attacked yet. Jordan immediately made sure his troops rested in shifts. While some rested, others worked to build a new fort to protect the town. They also built a new fenced area for their animals.

Before heading to Fort Tularosa, Victorio's forces had been in a conflict south of the fort. After that, about 100 Apache warriors moved north. They continued their fight against the white settlements in the area.

The Battle Begins

Sergeant Jordan later wrote about the attack. He said that "on the evening of the 14th, while I was standing outside the fort conversing with one of the citizens, the Indians came upon us unexpectedly and attacked." As soon as the attack started, everyone in the town quickly ran to the fort and the animal stockade for safety.

Victorio's forces attacked the fort on the evening of May 14. They immediately fired many arrows towards the areas where the townspeople were hiding. The Apache warriors then attacked the fort in waves. They kept putting pressure on Jordan's men. However, the soldiers fought back bravely and stopped each attack. At one point, they even made a risky move to save all the town's cattle.

The Buffalo Soldiers did not lose any men in the battle. Victorio's forces, however, had several warriors killed and wounded.

Right after the battle, more soldiers from Colonel Edward Hatch's 9th Cavalry arrived at the fort. A large group of them chased after Victorio's warriors. But the American troops could not follow the Chiricahua forces after they escaped into Mexico.

Ten years after this battle, Sergeant Jordan received the Medal of Honor. This was a very special award for his amazing leadership during the fight. The Battle of Fort Tularosa was one of the few times that Chief Victorio was surprised. Instead of waiting in ambush, he attacked a guarded camp.