Captain Ingram's Partisan Rangers facts for kids

Captain Ingram's Partisan Rangers was a group of about fifty fighters during the American Civil War. They supported the Confederacy, which was the southern side in the war. This group was formed in 1864 in Santa Clara County, California, by a man named Rufus Henry Ingram. The Sacramento Union newspaper gave them their name.

The Rangers were made up of people in California who supported the South, sometimes called "Copperheads." They also included members of a secret group called the Knights of the Golden Circle, which also supported the Confederacy. This group carried out a famous robbery called the Bullion Bend Robbery. They also planned other attacks before the Union authorities stopped them.

Newspapers back then said that Ingram had been part of another famous guerrilla group led by a man named Quantrill. However, today's historians haven't found proof of this. Ingram came to California from Mexico. His goal was to create a Confederate fighting group on the West Coast. After the Union army broke up his gang in several gunfights, Ingram left California and was never seen again.

Who Were Captain Ingram's Partisan Rangers?

Captain Ingram's Partisan Rangers were a small, unofficial fighting group. They were active in California during the American Civil War (1861-1865). Even though California was a Union state, some people there supported the Confederacy. These supporters sometimes formed groups like the Rangers.

The Rangers were known for using guerrilla tactics. This means they fought in small, surprise attacks rather than large battles. They aimed to cause trouble for the Union in California. Their actions were part of the wider conflict of the Civil War, even far from the main battlefields.

What Was the Bullion Bend Robbery?

One of the most well-known actions of Captain Ingram's Partisan Rangers was the Bullion Bend Robbery. This event showed how the group operated. It was a significant event in California's Civil War history. The robbery involved stealing gold and silver. This money was likely intended to help the Confederate cause.

After the robbery, Union authorities worked hard to find and stop the Rangers. This led to several clashes. Eventually, the group was broken up. Their activities ended, and they could no longer carry out their plans to support the Confederacy in California.

Who Was Rufus Henry Ingram?

Rufus Henry Ingram was the leader and organizer of the Partisan Rangers. He created the group in 1864. His goal was to form a Confederate fighting force on the Pacific Coast. He believed he could help the Southern cause from California.

Ingram's plan was to use guerrilla warfare. This type of fighting involves small, independent groups. They use surprise attacks and quick movements. After his group was stopped by Union forces, Ingram left California. He disappeared and was never heard from again.

Who Were the Members of the Rangers?

The Partisan Rangers were made up of about fifty men. They were people in California who supported the Confederacy. Many of them were local residents. Here are some of the known members of Captain Ingram's Partisan Rangers:

• Rufus Henry Ingram, who was the Captain
• Thomas Bell Poole, who was the Lieutenant
• George Baker
• John Creal Bouldware
• John Clenndenning
• Wallace Clenndenning
• George Cross
• James Frear
• Thomas Frear
• Joseph W. Gamble
• John Gately
• Alban H. Glasby
• Jim Grant
• Preston C. Hodges
• John Ingram
• Henry I. Jarboe
• Washington Jordan
• John A. Robinson
• James Wilson