Battle of Hungry Hill facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Hungry Hill
Part of American Indian Wars and Rogue River Wars
Date October 31, 1855 Location near Wolf Creek, Oregon, United States Result Native American Victory
Belligerents
Rogue River Indians	United States
Commanders and leaders
Chief George
Strength
200 Native Americans (including non-combatants)	100 US Army dragoons 200 Militia
Casualties and losses
less than 20 killed or wounded	Army: 4 killed 7 wounded Militia: 7 killed 20 wounded

The Battle of Hungry Hill was a major fight during the Rogue River Wars. It is also known as the Battle of Grave Creek Hills or Battle of Bloody Springs. This important battle happened on October 31, 1855. It was the largest battle of the Rogue River Wars.

The Native Americans, including men, women, and children, were camped on top of a hill. The soldiers were across a deep valley, about 1,500 feet down. About 200 Native Americans were in the mountains. They were southwest of what is now Roseburg, Oregon. They used muzzleloaders, bows, and arrows. They successfully fought off a group of over 300 U.S. soldiers and local fighters.

What Happened at Hungry Hill?

The U.S. troops planned a surprise attack. However, a warming fire gave away their position. When the Native Americans discovered them, the soldiers tried to charge. They moved down the valley and up the other side. But their attack failed. The Native Americans had good cover on the high ground. Many of them were also excellent shots.

The U.S. troops and local fighters had to retreat from the mountains. As many as 36 of them were killed, missing, or badly hurt. The Native Americans had fewer than 20 people killed or wounded. This battle was a clear victory for the Native Americans.

Finding the Battle Site

In 2012, experts found the exact location of the Battle of Hungry Hill. Archeologists from Southern Oregon University's Laboratory of Anthropology made this discovery. Mark Tveskov led the team. He used metal detectors to find the site.

He explained that this battle was a big defeat for the U.S. troops. About 500 people were involved. Yet, it is not very well known today. Tveskov believes this is partly because of the disappointment. Both the soldiers and local fighters blamed each other for the loss.

Also, in 1855, Oregon's telegraph system was new. Photographers, who would later document the American Civil War, were not there. If the Battle of Hungry Hill had happened after the Civil War, it would have been major news. It might have even been on the front page of the New York Times.