Keyesville massacre facts for kids

The Keyesville massacre happened on April 19, 1863. It took place in what was then Tulare County, which is now Kern County, California. This event was part of the Owens Valley Indian War. During the massacre, white settlers and soldiers from the 2nd Regiment California Volunteer Cavalry killed 35 Tübatulabal and Owens Valley Paiute men. The killings occurred about ten miles from Keysville, near the Kern River.

Why Soldiers Were Sent to Kern River Valley

In early April 1863, people living near Keysville asked for military help. They reported that Native Americans were causing problems and stealing property.

Lieutenant Colonel William Jones received their request. He decided to send Captain Moses A. McLaughlin and his soldiers to the area. Captain McLaughlin was ordered to investigate the situation. If he found the Native Americans were indeed causing trouble, he was told to "give them battle."

Captain McLaughlin's group had about 40 soldiers. They also had extra weapons for about 20 more people. Local citizens from Keysville were expected to join them, making their force even stronger.

Captain McLaughlin's Report

Captain Moses A. McLaughlin led the soldiers to Keysville. He later wrote a report about what happened.

Journey to Keysville

Captain McLaughlin left Camp Babbitt near Visalia on April 12, 1863. He commanded 24 men from Company D and 18 men from Company E. Lieutenants French and Daley also joined the expedition. They brought a 12-pounder howitzer (a type of cannon) and four supply wagons.

The group traveled about 250 to 275 miles. They arrived at Camp Independence in Owen's River Valley on April 24.

Concerns from Settlers

When Captain McLaughlin reached Keysville, local residents met with him. They told him that many Native Americans were camped on the North Fork of the Kern River. The settlers believed these Native Americans had been involved in recent conflicts and thefts.

They reported that one man had been killed in Kelsey Canyon. Also, two men named Roberts and Waldron had lost about 150 head of livestock. Other citizens had lost cattle, horses, and other items. The roads were considered unsafe.

The settlers thought many of these Native Americans were strangers to the valley. They believed they might be Tehachapie or Owen's River Indians who were trying to hide near white settlements.

Meeting with Jose Chico

Captain McLaughlin then sent for Jose Chico, a Native American chief known to be friendly. Jose Chico was an Owen's River Indian who lived and farmed on the Kern River. He spoke some English and good Spanish.

From Jose Chico, Captain McLaughlin learned important information. Jose Chico said that the Tehachapies had tried to get him to join their fight. He also said that many of his own people had gone to war. Some had returned and were now hiding in the valley, sleeping in camps at night and hiding during the day. Jose Chico also mentioned there were many Native Americans in the area whom he did not know.

Captain McLaughlin asked Jose Chico to stay with his camp. He also invited local citizens, like Doctor George and Mr. Herman, to come along the next morning. They could help identify any friendly Native Americans.

The Attack at Dawn

On April 19, at 2 a.m., Captain McLaughlin and Lieutenant Daley left camp. They had 20 soldiers and Jose Chico as their guide. At dawn, they surrounded a Native American camp. This camp was about ten miles from Keysville, on the right bank of the Kern River.

The soldiers gathered the men (called "bucks" in the report). Jose Chico and the citizens then identified those they knew to be friendly. The boys and older men were sent back to their camps.

However, 35 men could not be identified as friendly by anyone. These 35 men were either shot or attacked with sabers. The report states that none escaped, even though many fought back with knives, sticks, stones, and clubs.

Aftermath and Justification

Captain McLaughlin wrote that this "extreme punishment" was necessary. He believed that such actions would quickly end the conflict. He felt that Native Americans did not respect treaties and thought they could live better by fighting. He hoped they would learn they were wrong and would either be killed or forced into deserts where they would starve.

He also mentioned a prisoner from the Tejon tribe. This prisoner claimed that Tejon and Tehachapie Native Americans, who had received help from the government, were involved in these conflicts. They would return to their reservation when they were tired of fighting. Captain McLaughlin suggested that Indian agents should be told about this. He even said he would "leave them very little to do" if he had to send troops there.

Location of the Massacre

Local Native American people have identified the village where the Keyesville Massacre happened. It was located on Tillie Creek, near the North Fork of the Kern River. This area is now under Lake Isabella, close to what is now Wofford Heights, California. This site is now used as a memorial.