Battle of Walla Walla facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Walla Walla
Part of Yakima War
Depiction "First Charge at the Battle of Walla Walla 1855"
Date December 7–11, 1855 Location Walla Walla Valley, Washington Result United States Victory
Belligerents
United States	Walla Walla
Commanders and leaders
James K. Kelly Lt. J.M. Burrows	Peo-Peo-Mox-Mox  †
Units involved
Oregon Mounted Volunteers Company A Company B Company F Company H Company I Company K
Strength
476 Volunteers	600-800 fighters
Casualties and losses
6 killed 17 wounded	75-100 killed (est.) Unknown wounded 4 hostages killed

The Battle of Walla Walla was a very important and long battle during the Yakima War. It started on December 7, 1855, and lasted until December 11, 1855. This battle was fought between soldiers from the Oregon Mounted Volunteers and Native American tribes. The main tribe involved was the Walla Walla. Other tribes like the Cayuse, Palouse, and Yakama also joined the fighting.

What Was the Battle of Walla Walla?

The Battle of Walla Walla was the longest fight of the Yakima War. It lasted for five days in December 1855. The battle took place in the Walla Walla Valley in what is now Washington state. It was a conflict between American volunteer soldiers and several Native American tribes.

Why Did the Battle Happen?

Before the battle, the Walla Walla tribe raided a trading post called Fort Walla Walla. There were also reports that Chief Peopeomoxmox, a leader of the Walla Walla, had said he would harm Governor Isaac Stevens of Washington Territory. Because of these events, soldiers from the Oregon Mounted Volunteers were sent to the area. They first went to the Umatilla River and then to the Touchet River.

Chief Peopeomoxmox and four other men met the soldiers at the Touchet River. They went with the troops to try and stop an attack on their village. The volunteers and these five men then started marching down the Touchet River. They planned to set up a camp for the winter.

The Battle Begins

As the soldiers marched towards the old Whitman Mission, they realized a large group of Native warriors was following them. Soon, a running battle started near the mouth of the Touchet River. On the first day of fighting, the Chief and the four other men who were with the volunteers tried to get away. They were killed by the volunteers.

The battle continued for several days. On the fourth and final day of the battle, both the Native warriors and the volunteers pulled back. The volunteers went to Fort Henrietta on the Umatilla River.

What Happened After the Battle?

The Battle of Walla Walla ended with the death of the Walla Walla tribe leader, Peo-Peo-Mox-Mox. Six volunteer soldiers were also killed, and 17 were wounded. For the Native American side, about 75 to 100 fighters were killed. Many bodies were taken from the battlefield by the tribes. However, the volunteers found 39 bodies after the battle.