Camp at Pardee's Ranch facts for kids

Camp at Pardee's Ranch was an important military outpost in Humboldt County, California. It served as a base for U.S. Army soldiers and California volunteer groups from 1858 until the end of the Bald Hills War. This war was a conflict between settlers and some Native American groups in the area.

What Was Pardee's Ranch?

Pardee's Ranch was a large farm where A. S. Pardee raised animals. It was located right on Redwood Creek in Humboldt County. The ranch was special because it sat where the Trinity Trail crossed Redwood Creek.

The Trinity Trail

The Trinity Trail was a very important route. It was the main path for pack mules carrying supplies from Eureka to the mining towns along the Trinity River. These towns were in what used to be Klamath County and Trinity Counties.

Early Troubles at the Ranch

In 1858, Pardee's Ranch became a key spot during conflicts in the area.

The Whilkut Attack

On June 23, 1858, a group of Whilkut people attacked a supply train belonging to Henry Allen and William E. Ross. After this, a local militia group of 16 men, led by John Bell, chased the Whilkut.

Bell's group attacked a Native American village on Grouse Creek on July 15. But they were outnumbered and had to retreat back to Pardee's Ranch. They stayed there until August, getting help from some soldiers from Trinity County.

Ambush Near Hupa Villages

On August 2, 1858, another group of 16 men, led by Winslet, was ambushed by the Whilkut. This happened in the Bald Hills on a trail leading to the Hupa villages. One man was killed, and Winslet was injured. Winslet's group also had to go back to Pardee's Ranch for safety.

Attacks on Pardee's Ranch

The ranch itself faced direct attacks from the Whilkut.

Ranch Destroyed

On September 14, 1858, a settler named Paul Boynton was killed about 10 miles from Union. The very next morning, the Whilkut attacked Pardee's Ranch. Mr. Barney and Mr. Pardee, who were partners, went outside and were shot at. Luckily, they escaped and made it back to town safely. The Native Americans took all their animals, and the ranch was destroyed by fire.

Camp at Pardee's Ranch as a Military Base

Because of its good location, Camp at Pardee's Ranch became a vital military base.

Protecting Supply Trains

In October 1858, Captain Edmund Underwood and his 36 U.S. Army soldiers started using the camp. Their main job was to protect the important supply trains that traveled through the Bald Hills.

Base for the Trinity Rangers

From October 14, 1858, the camp was also where Captain Isaac Green Messec's group, the Trinity Rangers, gathered. They used the ranch as their base for a campaign against the Whilkut, which was sometimes called the Wintoon War.

Continued Military Use

After these early events, Camp at Pardee's Ranch continued to be a military post. It was used by U.S. Army troops and various California State Volunteer units. These groups operated against Native American groups in the Bald Hills until the end of the Bald Hills War.

Later Events at the Ranch

Even after the main conflicts, A. S. Pardee continued to face challenges.

On March 10, 1860, A. S. Pardee wrote a statement in Union, Humboldt County. He explained that Native Americans had burned his house in 1858, but he had rebuilt it in the same spot. He also said that in 1860, some Native Americans shot at him from an ambush. Because of this, he had to move his family back into town. He mentioned that he couldn't afford to hire guards, and he expected his house would be destroyed again.