Camp Babbitt facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Camp Babbitt
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| Visalia, California, United States | |
 Camp Babbitt
Camp Babbitt
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| Coordinates | 36°20′07″N 119°17′16″W / 36.33528°N 119.28778°W |
| Type | Military camp |
| Site information | |
| Owner | United States Army |
| Controlled by | 2nd California Cavalry |
| Open to the public |
Yes |
| Site history | |
| Built | June 24, 1862 |
| Fate | Abandoned 1865 |
Camp Babbitt was a military camp used by the Union Army during the American Civil War. It was located near Visalia, California. The camp played an important role in keeping order in the area. It also helped with military actions in California.
Contents
History of Camp Babbitt
When and Where Camp Babbitt Started
Camp Babbitt was first set up on June 24, 1862. It was about one mile northeast of downtown Visalia. This area is in Tulare County, California. The camp was first guarded by two groups of soldiers. These soldiers were from the 2nd California Cavalry Regiment.
Why the Camp Was Named Babbitt
The camp was named after Lieutenant Colonel E. B. Babbitt. He was a high-ranking officer. He worked as the Quartermaster General for the Department of the Pacific. This department was in charge of military operations in the western United States.
Keeping Order in Visalia
Trouble in Visalia During the War
During the Civil War, some people in Visalia supported the Confederacy. These people were called "Secessionists." They wanted to break away from the Union. This caused a lot of tension and unrest in the town.
Soldiers Arrive to Help
To help control the situation, General George Wright sent soldiers to Visalia. Captain Moses A. McLaughlin led his company of soldiers to Camp Babbitt in October 1862. They traveled quickly from the Owens Valley to get there.
Dealing with Unrest
On December 12, 1862, some men from Visalia openly cheered for the Confederate leader, Jeff Davis. Captain McLaughlin ordered their arrest right away. Tensions grew between those who supported the Union and those who supported the Confederacy.
The Local Newspaper and the Oath
On December 31, Captain McLaughlin ordered the arrest of the owners of the "Expositor." This was a local newspaper that supported the Confederacy. However, military headquarters soon told him to release political prisoners. They had to promise to be loyal to the Union. The newspaper owners eventually took this oath. But they still kept publishing articles against the Union and the war.
Helping in the Owens Valley Indian War
Sending Troops to the Owens Valley
By April 1863, Lieutenant Colonel William Jones was in charge of Camp Babbitt. He ordered Captain McLaughlin to send help to Camp Independence. This camp was in the Owens Valley. A group of 42 soldiers and a large cannon were sent. They also took supplies like food and ammunition.
The Campaign in Owens Valley
Captain McLaughlin's soldiers marched to the Owens Valley. They went through a place called Keyesville, California. They joined the final part of the Owens Valley Indian War. This war was a conflict with some Native American groups. In July 1863, the soldiers helped escort nearly 1,000 Paiute people. They were moved to Fort Tejon.
Chasing the Mason Henry Gang
The Pursuit Begins
On February 18, 1865, Captain Herman Noble sent soldiers from Camp Babbitt. They were chasing a group of outlaws known as the Mason Henry Gang. Sergeant Rowley led this group of soldiers.
A Long and Difficult Chase
The soldiers chased the gang across the deserts of Southern California. They went all the way south into Sonora, Mexico. The chase was very difficult. The soldiers traveled over 900 miles. They often went days without food for themselves or their horses.
The Outcome of the Chase
The soldiers were close to catching the gang several times. But the gang had a lot of gold. This helped them get away. The soldiers had to give up the chase when their horses became too tired. The chase lasted for twenty-five days.
After the Civil War Ended
Relocation and Abandonment
After the Civil War ended, Camp Babbitt was moved. On October 2, 1865, it was set up about a mile northeast of its first location. The camp was later abandoned. This happened sometime between late 1865 and August 19, 1866.
The Last Soldiers at Camp Babbitt
The last soldiers stationed at Camp Babbitt were from New Company A, 2nd California Cavalry. They arrived in November 1865. They stayed at the camp until April 1866. Then, they were ordered to Camp Union near Sacramento to be officially released from service.
Where the Sites Are Today
The first site of Camp Babbitt was near Race and Santa Fe Streets in Visalia. The second site was close to Ben Maddox Way and Houston Avenue.
