Battle of Steen's Mountain facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Steen's Mountain
Part of the Indian Wars, Snake War
Date 29 January 1867 Location Burns Junction, Oregon Result U.S. victory
Belligerents
United States	Paiute
Commanders and leaders
George Crook	Paunina
Strength
1st U.S. Cavalry	~90
Casualties and losses
1 civilian scout killed 1 civilian scout wounded 3 soldiers wounded	60 killed 27 captured

The Battle of Steen's Mountain was an important fight during the Snake War. It happened on January 29, 1867, in Oregon. This battle was between the United States Army and the Paiute tribe. The U.S. Army won this battle.

What Was the Snake War?

The Snake War was a series of conflicts in the western United States. It took place from 1864 to 1868. This war involved the U.S. Army and several Native American tribes. These tribes included the Paiute, Shoshone, and Bannock peoples. The fighting happened mostly in Oregon, Idaho, and Nevada. The main reasons for the war were disagreements over land and resources.

Who Fought in This Battle?

The main leader for the U.S. Army was Lieutenant Colonel George Crook. He was a skilled military officer. His soldiers were from the 1st U.S. Cavalry. For the Paiute people, the leader mentioned was Chief Paunina. The Paiute warriors numbered around 90 people.

Why Did the Battle Happen?

The battle happened because of ongoing conflicts in the region. There had been attacks by Paiute groups in Idaho. In response, Lt. Col. George Crook led a military expedition. This kind of trip was called a punitive expedition. It meant the army was trying to stop the attacks.

Crook's forces first defeated Chief Howluck at the Battle of Owyhee River. This battle was also part of the same campaign. Crook then continued to pursue other Paiute groups.

The Battle at Steen's Mountain

Crook's soldiers found Chief Paunina's Paiute village at Steen's Mountain. This was in southeast Oregon. Crook ordered his men to charge the village. During the charge, something unexpected happened. Crook's own horse suddenly bolted. It carried him right through the middle of the native village.

Despite this, his soldiers kept following his orders. They continued the charge. Crook himself had several close calls during the fight. But his troopers were very accurate with their fire. They caused many casualties among the Paiute warriors.

After the Battle

The battle ended with a victory for the U.S. Army. About a month later, Crook's men had one more small fight. After that, Crook decided to end the expedition. The bad weather conditions made it too difficult to continue.