Battle of Ojo Caliente Canyon facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Ojo Caliente Canyon
Part of the Jicarilla War, Apache Wars, Ute Wars, American Indian Wars
Date April 8, 1854 Location near Ojo Caliente, New Mexico Territory Result United States victory
Belligerents
United States	Apache Ute
Commanders and leaders
Philip St. George Cooke Kit Carson	Chacon
Strength
200 cavalry 100 infantry 32 native scouts	~150 warriors
Casualties and losses
none	5 killed 6 wounded,

The Battle of Ojo Caliente Canyon was an important fight during the Jicarilla War. It happened on April 8, 1854. This battle involved Jicarilla and their Ute friends fighting against the United States Army. This clash took place because the U.S. Army was chasing the Jicarilla after an earlier battle.

What Was the Battle of Ojo Caliente Canyon?

The Battle of Ojo Caliente Canyon was a military event in 1854. It was part of a larger conflict called the Jicarilla War. This war involved the Jicarilla Apache people and the United States Army. The battle happened near a place called Ojo Caliente in what was then the New Mexico Territory.

The Jicarilla War: A Quick Look

The Jicarilla War was a conflict between the Jicarilla Apache and the United States. It took place in the mid-1800s. The war was mainly about land and resources. Both sides wanted control over areas in the American Southwest. This led to many smaller battles and skirmishes.

The Battle of Cieneguilla: What Happened Before

Just over a week before Ojo Caliente, a battle called the Battle of Cieneguilla took place. In that fight, the Jicarilla Apache had a victory over the U.S. Army. After Cieneguilla, the U.S. Army decided to pursue the Jicarilla warriors. They wanted to stop their attacks and regain control.

The Chase to Ojo Caliente Canyon

The U.S. Army, led by Colonel Philip St. George Cooke, began to track the Jicarilla. They were determined to find and engage them. The chase led them through the rugged terrain of New Mexico. Eventually, they caught up with the Jicarilla and their Ute allies in Ojo Caliente Canyon.

Who Was Involved?

On the United States side, Colonel Philip St. George Cooke was in command. Famous scout Kit Carson also played a key role. Their forces included about 200 cavalry (soldiers on horseback) and 100 infantry (soldiers on foot). They also had 32 native scouts helping them.

The Jicarilla Apache warriors were led by a chief named Chacon. They were joined by their allies, the Ute people. Together, they had about 150 warriors ready to fight.

The Outcome

The Battle of Ojo Caliente Canyon resulted in a victory for the United States. The fighting was intense, but the U.S. forces managed to defeat the Jicarilla and Ute warriors.

The U.S. Army reported no casualties in this battle. The Jicarilla and Ute forces suffered five warriors killed. Six more were wounded during the fight. This battle helped the U.S. Army gain an advantage in the ongoing Jicarilla War.