Battle of the Diablo Mountains facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of the Diablo Mountains
Part of the Apache Wars
A Lipan Apache, circa 1857
Date October 3, 1854 Location Sierra Diablo, Texas Result United States victory
Belligerents
United States	Apache
Commanders and leaders
John G. Walker	unknown
Strength
~40 cavalry	~200+ warriors
Casualties and losses
Unknown, 1 known wounded
Unknown

The Battle of the Diablo Mountains was a fight that happened in October 1854. It was between the U.S. Army and the Lipan Apache people. A small group of U.S. soldiers, called Mounted Rifles, attacked a much larger group of Lipan Apaches. This battle took place near the Diablo Mountains in Texas.

What Was the Battle of the Diablo Mountains?

This battle was part of the Apache Wars. These were a series of conflicts between the U.S. Army and various Apache groups. The fight happened on October 3, 1854. It took place at the base of the Diablo Mountains. The U.S. Army won this battle.

Why Did the Battle Happen?

In 1854, settlers in Texas reported that their farm animals were being stolen. These reports said that Apache warriors were taking the livestock. The U.S. Army decided to investigate these reports. Their goal was to find the stolen animals and stop the thefts.

How Did the Battle Unfold?

On October 1, 1854, Captain John G. Walker led about 40 soldiers. These soldiers were part of the Mounted Rifles. They rode out from Fort Inge in South Texas. Their mission was to head towards the Diablo Mountains. This area was near the Rio Grande border with Mexico.

Two days later, on the morning of October 3, 1854, Captain Walker's group found something important. They discovered over 200 Lipan Apache warriors. The warriors were near a large group of captured farm animals. These were likely the stolen livestock.

Captain Walker immediately ordered his soldiers to attack. The Lipan Apaches were very surprised by this sudden attack. A short fight followed. The Apaches quickly fled the area. They left most of the stolen farm animals behind.

Who Was Involved?

The U.S. Army force was led by Captain John G. Walker. He had about 40 soldiers. The Lipan Apache force was much larger. It had over 200 warriors. The leader of the Apache warriors is not known.

Casualties and a Young Hero

It is not known how many people were hurt or killed in this battle. However, one U.S. soldier was wounded. Second Lieutenant Eugene Asa Carr was hit by an arrow. He was later praised for his bravery. General Persifor F. Smith said he showed "gallantry and coolness." Because of his actions, Lieutenant Carr was promoted. He became a first lieutenant. This battle was the first time this future general fought in combat.