Elsatsoosu facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Elsatsoosu
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Elsatsoosu c. 1873
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| Born | Arizona Territory, United States |
| Died | unknown |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
United States Army |
| Years of service | c. 1872–1875 |
| Rank | Corporal |
| Unit | U.S. Army Indian Scouts |
| Battles/wars | Indian Wars Apache Wars |
| Awards | Medal of Honor |
Elsatsoosu (active between 1872 and 1875), also known as Elsatsoosh, was a brave Apache Indian scout for the U.S. Army. He worked with Lieutenant Colonel George Crook during the Apache Wars. Elsatsoosu guided soldiers against Apache groups who had not yet surrendered in the Arizona Territory. This happened during Crook's winter campaign in 1872–73. He was one of only ten scouts who later received the Medal of Honor for his amazing bravery.
Elsatsoosu's Life as a Scout
Elsatsoosu was born in the Arizona Territory. He was one of ten Apache people hired by the U.S. Army to be an Indian scout. He worked for Lieutenant Colonel George Crook. This was part of a plan to find Apache groups who were still fighting after Cochise had surrendered in late 1872.
Elsatsoosu specifically guided soldiers on horseback (called cavalry) in an area known as the Tonto Basin. The Western Apache and Yavapais people in this area had been very successful at raiding and avoiding troops for many years. Elsatsoosu helped the army battle the Apache in the mountains during Crook's winter campaign of 1872–73. A campaign is a series of military actions over a period of time.
A total of 23 men received the Medal of Honor for their actions during these conflicts. All 10 Indian scouts, including Elsatsoosu, received this important award on April 12, 1875. They were honored for their "gallant conduct" (meaning very brave actions) during battles with the Apaches. The other scouts who received this award were William Alchesay, Blanquet, Chiquito, Jim, Kelsay, Kosoha, Machol, Nannasaddie and Nantaje.
Where Elsatsoosu is Remembered
We do not know the exact date or place where Elsatsoosu died. However, there is a special monument, called a cenotaph, in his honor. A cenotaph is a monument built to remember someone who is buried somewhere else. This monument is located at the Arizona Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Marana, Pima County, Arizona.
See also
