Battle of Williams Station facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Williams Station
Part of Pyramid Lake War
Date 29 May 1860 Location on the Overland Road, 10 mi NE of the subsequent Fort Churchill 39°24′40″N 119°09′48″E / 39.4111°N 119.1633°E / 39.4111; 119.1633 Result U.S. victory
Belligerents
United States	Paiute
Commanders and leaders
John C. Hays	Numaga
Strength
>500 (Washoe Regiment)	150 warriors
Casualties and losses
2 killed	6 killed

The Battle of Williams Station was a small but important fight during the Paiute War, also known as the Pyramid Lake War, in 1860. It happened after a group of U.S. volunteers lost a battle at Pyramid Lake. This battle was a key moment as more U.S. volunteers joined the war.

The Battle of Williams Station: A Quick Fight

This battle was a minor part of the larger Paiute War. It took place on May 29, 1860. The fight happened near a place called Williams Station. This area was along an important travel route known as the Overland Road.

Why the Battle Started

Before this battle, a group of volunteers led by Major William Ormsby had been defeated. They lost a fight at Pyramid Lake. After this defeat, settlers in the area became worried. They sent urgent messages asking for help from California.

John C. Hays Forms a Regiment

A famous leader named John C. Hays answered their call. He came to Carson City to organize a new group of volunteers. Hays gathered over 500 men from different towns. These towns included Carson City, Virginia City, and Genoa. This large group was called the "Washoe Regiment."

The March to Williams Station

U.S. Regular soldiers were also on their way. They were led by Captain Joseph Stewart from Fort Alcatraz. However, John C. Hays decided not to wait for them. He marched his Washoe Regiment out of Carson City. Their goal was to reach Williams Station. This was the spot where the first attack by the Paiute warriors had happened.

The Skirmish at the Station

When Hays and his men arrived at Williams Station, they found about 150 Paiute warriors. A short fight, or skirmish, quickly began. During this brief battle, two U.S. soldiers were killed. Six Paiute warriors also lost their lives. After the fight, the Paiute warriors moved away. They headed toward Pyramid Lake. Later, they were defeated in the Second Battle of Pyramid Lake.

Williams Station: A Historic Stop

Williams Station was an important stop along the Pony Express route. The Pony Express was a famous mail service that used horses. James O. Williams was the person who ran this station. It was located along the Carson River.

Where Was Williams Station?

Williams Station was positioned between two other Pony Express stops. These were Station 149 in the Carson Sink and Station 151, known as Hooten Wells Station. Today, the original site of Williams Station is underwater. It was covered when the Lahontan Reservoir was created. This reservoir was formed by the Lahontan Dam, built in 1911. However, during a drought in 1992, the ruins of the station could be seen again.