Battle of Placito facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Placito
Part of the American Civil War, Apache Wars
Arizona militia during the Civil War.
Date September 8, 1861 Location Placitas, New Mexico Territory (USA), Arizona Territory (CSA); now in Lincoln County, New Mexico Result Confederate victory
Belligerents
Confederate States	Apache
Commanders and leaders
John Pulliam	Unknown
Strength
~20	Unknown
Casualties and losses
Unknown	5 killed

The Battle of Placito was a small but important fight. It happened during the American Civil War and the Apache Wars. On September 8, 1861, the battle took place near a village called Placitas. This area is now known as Lincoln, New Mexico. The fight involved Confederate soldiers, local Mexican settlers, and Apache warriors.

Why the Battle Happened

This battle was part of a bigger conflict called the Apache Wars. These wars were a series of fights between the United States and various Apache tribes. They lasted through the mid to late 1800s.

Events Before the Fight

Just before the battle, a Confederate officer named Lieutenant John Pulliam was on patrol. He was searching for three soldiers who had been killed. These soldiers were part of the Confederate army stationed at Fort Stanton.

On September 8, 1861, Lieutenant Pulliam returned to Fort Stanton. That same evening, a message arrived from Placitas. Placitas was a small settlement about ten miles from the fort. The message said that Apache warriors were attacking the town.

Orders to Help

Lieutenant Pulliam was ordered to go to Placitas right away. He took fifteen of his men with him. Their mission was to help protect the people living in the village from the Apache attack.

The Battle at Placitas

Lieutenant Pulliam and his fifteen Confederate soldiers reached Placitas that night. They joined forces with an unknown number of Mexican men from the village. Together, they worked to push the Apache warriors out of the town.

Fighting Through the Night

After driving the Apaches away from the immediate village, the fighting continued. The Confederates and settlers fought the Apaches from a distance all night long. The battle was intense, but eventually, the Apache warriors decided to retreat. They left the area and went back into the surrounding desert.

Who Won and What Happened Next

The exact number of people hurt on the Confederate and settler side is not known. However, at least five Apache warriors were killed during the fight. An unknown number of Apache wounded managed to escape.

Lieutenant Pulliam and his men returned to Fort Stanton the next afternoon. The Battle of Placito was considered a victory for the Confederates.