First Battle of the Stronghold facts for kids
Quick facts for kids First Battle of the Stronghold |
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| Part of Modoc War (Indian Wars) | |||||||
 Modocs defending Stronghold |
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| Belligerents | |||||||
| Modoc | United States | ||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Captain Jack Shaknasty Jim Scarface Charley |
Frank Wheaton John Green Reuben Bernard |
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| Strength | |||||||
| 53 | 300 Infantry 100 Cavalry 2 howitzers |
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| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| None | 42 killed, many wounded | ||||||
The First Battle of the Stronghold happened on January 17, 1873. It was the second major fight in the Modoc War (1872–1873). This battle was between the United States Army and a group of Modoc Native Americans.
The Modoc tribe was from Oregon and California. They were led by Captain Jack. The US Army, led by Lieutenant Colonel Frank Wheaton, tried to remove the Modoc from their natural fort. This fort was in the lava beds near Tule Lake in northeastern California.
The Modoc had left the Klamath Reservation in Oregon. They had been forced to move there from their original lands. The US Army wanted to make space for European American settlers.
The Modoc won the battle easily. They caused many casualties to the Army and forced them to retreat. The Modoc's strong defensive spot, their patience, and a thick fog helped them win.
Contents
Why the Battle Happened
After a fight called the Battle of Lost River in November 1872, the Modoc escaped. They went to the lava beds, which are now part of Lava Beds National Monument in California. Their group included women and children.
They met up with another Modoc group led by Shacknasty Jim. This group had not been part of the earlier fight. The Modoc set up camp in a natural fort of caves and trenches. They made it even stronger for defense.
The Modoc had also captured about 100 cattle. These animals provided them with food. The US Army moved its soldiers to the south end of Tule Lake. They set up two camps.
Who Fought
The Modoc Warriors
The Modoc groups had about 160 people in total. Only 53 of them were warriors. Their main leaders were Captain Jack, Shaknasty Jim, Scarfaced Charley, Hooker Jim, and John Schonchin.
The United States Army
The US Army had about 400 soldiers ready for the battle. Lieutenant Colonel Frank Wheaton was in charge of the whole force. Major John Green led the soldiers in the west. Captain Reuben Bernard led the soldiers in the east.
Major Green's western force included infantry soldiers and cavalry. It also had two large cannons called howitzers. Captain Bernard's eastern force was smaller. It included cavalry and scouts from the Klamath tribe.
Getting Ready for the Attack
Colonel Wheaton planned a two-part attack. The main attack would come from the west. A smaller attack from the east would stop the Modoc from escaping. The two groups of soldiers were supposed to meet in the middle of the lava fields. This would trap the Modoc against Tule Lake.
The howitzers were meant to help the western attack. All the soldiers were to walk on foot. The Army units moved into position on January 16. Major Green's soldiers arrived at the lake by afternoon. The cannons arrived after dark.
Captain Bernard's group also moved on January 16. They aimed for a place called Hospital Rock. But a thick fog made it hard to see. The Modoc saw them and started firing. Three of Bernard's men were wounded. Bernard's group pulled back to Hospital Rock. They got ready for the next day's battle.
The Battle Begins
On the morning of January 17, a very thick fog covered the battlefield. The weather was also wet. In the west, Major Green's soldiers spread out in a line. They had infantry and volunteers near the lake. Cavalry soldiers were on the right side.
The battle plan said the howitzers should fire three shots. This was a signal for Bernard to start his attack. Then they were supposed to stop firing for 15 minutes. This would give the Modoc time to move their women and children.
But because of the fog, the howitzer crews could not see where their shots landed. They did not fire again after the signal shots. They were afraid of hitting their own soldiers.
Green's soldiers moved towards the Stronghold. After walking about 1.5 miles, they started to face fire from the Modoc. The Modoc had left their fort to attack the Army in the lava beds. Green's advance became very slow. The rough ground and enemy fire made it hard to move forward.
The Modoc were hidden by the fog and in the rocks. They shot at any Army target they saw. They slowly gave ground, causing many Army casualties. Around 2 PM, Green's soldiers reached a very deep ditch. This stopped their advance completely.
In the east, Bernard's soldiers also came under fire from the Modoc. They were about 500 yards from the Stronghold. They tried to charge the enemy. The ground on the east side was easier to cross. But after moving 100 yards, they found a deep gully they could not cross. They pulled back and started building small walls from rocks.
At this point, Colonel Wheaton changed his plan. He decided not to try to join the two forces south of the Stronghold. Instead, Major Green suggested they try to meet along the lake shore, north of the Stronghold. Orders were shouted to Bernard, who agreed to the new plan.
However, Bernard's soldiers, behind their makeshift walls, did not want to attack again. But the eastern force did hold their position. This kept the Modoc busy firing at them.
Green's soldiers began to move north along the lake shore. The California volunteers and infantry advanced behind the Stronghold. They got within 50 yards north of the Stronghold. But then they were pinned down by heavy Modoc fire. Major Green was wounded when he stood up to encourage his men. He later received a special award for his bravery.
Some of Green's soldiers eventually reached Bernard's force. But the rest were stuck along the lake shore. They were ordered to stay there until dark. At 5 PM, Colonel Wheaton realized he could not capture the Stronghold. He signaled Green and Bernard to retreat. The soldiers pulled back to their camps. This process took until the next night. The US soldiers who were killed were left on the battlefield. This gave the Modoc more rifles and ammunition.
The US Army lost 37 men who were killed or wounded. The Modoc had no casualties at all. Because of the fog and rock cover, no Army survivors reported seeing a Modoc during the battle. The Modoc's spiritual leader, Curley Headed Doctor, said he caused the fog with his rituals.
What Happened Next
The Army's defeat at the First Battle of the Stronghold made the Modoc stronger. The United States had to start peace talks from a weaker position. The Modoc also felt more confident that they could defend their home against a larger force.
Lieutenant Colonel Wheaton was removed from command. Colonel Alvan Gillem, an experienced soldier, took his place. The US Army brought more soldiers to Tule Lake. They also hired more scouts from the Warm Springs Indian Reservation. The local volunteer soldiers left the area.
During the peace talks after the battle, Major General Edward Canby came to lead the efforts. On April 11, 1873, Captain Jack and some of his men attacked. They mistakenly thought that killing the leaders would make the Army leave them alone. They killed General Canby and Reverend Eleazer Thomas. This act ended the peace talks. The Army then started the Second Battle of the Stronghold on April 15.
See also
In Spanish: Primera batalla del Stronghold para niños
