First Battle of Pyramid Lake facts for kids
Quick facts for kids First Battle of Pyramid Lake |
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| Part of Pyramid Lake War | |||||||
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| Belligerents | |||||||
 United States |
Paiute | ||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| William Ormsby † | Numaga | ||||||
| Strength | |||||||
| 105 Militia | 500 warriors | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| 76 killed about 29 wounded | about 10 wounded | ||||||
The First Battle of Pyramid Lake happened in 1860. It was one of the first fights in the Paiute War in Nevada. This war was between American settlers and the Paiute people. The Paiute people were upset because more and more settlers were moving into their lands. These settlers used up important resources like game and water. There were also problems with the Pony Express in the area.
Contents
Why the Battle Happened
Silver Rush in Nevada
In 1859, people found a lot of silver in a place called the Comstock Lode. This area is now in Nevada. Many miners rushed to places like Virginia City.
These miners cut down pinyon trees. This destroyed the pine-nut trees that were a main food source for the Paiute people. Hunters also took a lot of game, fish, and birds to feed the miners. Ranchers moved into the fertile valleys. This blocked the Paiutes from gathering nuts, roots, and seeds.
Paiute Leaders Discuss War
Towards the end of April 1860, the Paiutes and their allies, the Bannocks and Shoshones, met at Pyramid Lake. They wanted to talk about how to deal with the settlers moving onto their land. Most of the leaders wanted to go to war.
Chief Winnemucca, a very respected leader, seemed to support war. But he did not say so publicly. Only Numaga spoke for peace. He agreed that the settlers had treated the Native Americans unfairly. However, he warned that the settlers had more people and resources. He believed they would win any war.
Williams Station Incident
While Numaga was speaking, some Native Americans arrived. They brought news of an event at Williams Station. A Bannock warrior named Mogoannoga had led a group to attack a Pony Express station. This station was called Williams Station, near the Carson River.
One story says the attack was to start a war. Another story says the raiders heard that men at the station had kidnapped two Paiute women. The fighting started when they went to investigate and free the women. In the end, the war party killed five Americans.
After hearing this news, Numaga said, "There is no longer any use for counsel; we must prepare for war, for the soldiers will now come here to fight us."
The Battle at Pyramid Lake
Ormsby Gathers a Militia
William Ormsby gathered 105 volunteer soldiers, called a militia. These men came from Virginia City, Gold Hill, Carson City, and Genoa. Their goal was to help the station and punish the Paiute group. Ormsby was an experienced military leader. He encouraged the people of Virginia City to join.
The militia chose Ormsby as their major. Ormsby had been friendly with many Paiute leaders, including Chief Truckee. He was also helping to educate Sarah Winnemucca, a chief's daughter. Ormsby led his men to Williams Station. They buried the dead men there. Then, they continued north to Pyramid Lake, following the Truckee River.
The Fight Begins
On May 12, 1860, Ormsby sent out a small group to scout ahead. This group saw two Native Americans and chased them. Suddenly, a much larger group of Native Americans appeared. The scouts quickly ran back to Ormsby's main group. They were not chased.
Ormsby's group was in a difficult spot. They were spread out along the river. There was a bluff on one side and a cliff on the other. Numaga let about 100 warriors show themselves. This made Ormsby's men start firing. Then, a larger group of Native Americans appeared and moved towards the settlers.
Ormsby also moved his men forward. They went uphill, facing the bright late afternoon sun. The Native Americans started firing at them. Ormsby saw other Native Americans circling behind his group. He quickly ordered a retreat.
Militia Defeated
The white volunteers tried to make a stand in a small valley near some cottonwood trees. But the Native Americans followed them. They were also being shot at by other Native Americans hidden in the cottonwood trees. The settlers had expected the Native Americans to only have bows and arrows. They were mostly armed with handguns.
However, the Native Americans had many rifles. These rifles had a much longer range and were more accurate. The settlers found themselves surrounded. Some tried to escape by crossing the river. But the river was flowing too fast because of spring snowmelt. Others tried to escape by going uphill.
After the battle was clearly won, Numaga tried to stop his warriors from killing more people. But his warriors were too angry. Ormsby was killed, and 76 of the militiamen died in total. Most of the remaining 29 survivors were wounded. They were saved only because it became dark. They hid until the Native Americans left. Then, they made their way back to Buckland's station.
What Happened Next
Because of these attacks, the settlers asked for help. John C. Hays, a famous former Texas Ranger, went to Carson City. He helped organize and train a volunteer army. The U.S. Army also sent regular soldiers from California. These U.S. Volunteers and Regulars later defeated the Paiute at the Second Battle of Pyramid Lake.
