Mayfield Canyon facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Mayfield Canyon
Mayfield Canyon Location in California
Floor elevation	5,347 ft (1,630 m)
Geography
Location	Inyo
Topo map	Mount Morgan, CA.

Mayfield Canyon is in the foothills of Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, about the center of this photo take from Bishop

Mayfield Canyon is a special place located northwest of Bishop in Inyo County, California. It's a canyon, which is like a deep valley with steep sides.

This canyon is famous for a historical event called the Battle of Mayfield Canyon. This battle happened during the Owens Valley Indian War. The canyon was named after Colonel William Mayfield, who was a leader of the local settlers' group, known as a militia. He was killed during this battle.

Mayfield Canyon: A Historic Place

What is Mayfield Canyon?

Mayfield Canyon is a natural landform, a deep valley with steep sides, found in Inyo County, California. It is located northwest of the town of Bishop. The canyon is part of the beautiful landscape of the Sierra Nevada mountains.

The Battle of Mayfield Canyon

The Battle of Mayfield Canyon was an important event in the Owens Valley Indian War. This war involved conflicts between settlers and Native American tribes in the Owens Valley area.

On April 8, 1862, a group of soldiers and settlers went into Mayfield Canyon. They thought Native Americans were hiding there. However, the Native Americans had already left the canyon. So, the group set up camp at the entrance of the canyon.

The next day, they went back into the canyon. This time, they were forced to leave and return to Owens Valley. During these events, Colonel William Mayfield, a leader of the settlers, was killed. The canyon was later named in his honor.

A California Historical Landmark

The site of the Battle of Mayfield Canyon is recognized as a California Historical Landmark. This means it's a very important historical spot in California. It was given the number 211 on June 20, 1935.

A special marker at the site tells the story:

• NO. 211 MAYFIELD CANYON BATTLEGROUND - On April 8, 1862, a group of soldiers and settlers entered Mayfield Canyon (which was named after one of the settlers) to fight the Native Americans they believed were there. However, the Native Americans had already left the canyon, so the group made camp at its entrance. The next day, they went up the canyon again, but this time they had to retreat back to Owens Valley.