Captain Jack's Stronghold facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Captain Jack's Stronghold
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Captain Jack's Stronghold
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 Location in California
Location in the United States
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| Nearest city | Tulelake, California |
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| Area | 460 acres (190 ha) |
| Built | 1873 |
| NRHP reference No. | 73000259 |
| Added to NRHP | September 20, 1973 |
Captain Jack's Stronghold is an important historical site. It is located within the Lava Beds National Monument. This special place is named after Captain Jack, a leader of the Modoc people. The Modoc people had used this area for a very long time. It was part of their traditional lands for hunting and gathering food.
You can find the stronghold by taking the Perez turnoff. This turnoff is from Highway 139. It is located between the towns of Tulelake and Canby, California.
Contents
The Modoc War and the Stronghold
The Modoc War was a conflict that happened in 1872-1873. During this war, Captain Jack and his group of Modoc people found safety here. They came to this area after a fight called the Battle of Lost River.
A Natural Fortress
Captain Jack's group had only 53 warriors. They also had many women and children, about 160 people in total. For several months, they defended themselves against the United States Army. The Army had ten times more soldiers than the Modoc warriors.
The Modoc people used the lava beds as a natural fortress. The land was very rough and full of rocks. These rocks were perfect for building defenses. The Modoc also knew the winding paths well. This helped them avoid the soldiers who were chasing them.
First Battle of the Stronghold
The first major battle at the stronghold happened on January 17, 1873. Fifty-one Modoc warriors faced a large U.S. Army force. The Army had 225 soldiers. They were also supported by 104 volunteers from Oregon and California.
In this battle, the Modoc warriors were very successful. They defeated the Army forces. Thirty-five soldiers were killed, and many more were hurt. The Modoc warriors did not lose anyone. They also had no serious injuries.
Second Battle and Its Aftermath
The second major battle took place from April 15 to 17. The Army had more soldiers this time, over six hundred men. They managed to capture the Modoc's water spring. They also blocked the Modoc's path to Tule Lake.
Without water, the Modoc people had to leave the stronghold. Captain Jack's group split up. The last group included Captain Jack, John Schonchin, Black Jim, and Boston Charley. They were captured on June 1, 1873.
These four leaders were later found responsible for the deaths of General Edward Canby and Reverend Eleazer Thomas. These deaths happened at a peace meeting in April 1873. General Canby was the only general to be killed during the Indian Wars. On October 3, 1873, the four Modoc leaders were executed at Fort Klamath.
California Historical Landmark
Captain Jack's Stronghold is recognized as an important historical site. On June 1, 1932, it was named "California Historical Landmark #9". This means it is a place of special historical importance in California.
Images for kids
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Modoc warriors defending the Stronghold
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Captain Jack's Cave at the Stronghold
