Red River Canyon affair facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Battle of Red River Canyon
Part of the Taos Revolt, Mexican–American War
The Red River.
Date May 26–27, 1847 Location On the Canadian River, West of Wagon Mound, New Mexico Result United States victory
Belligerents
United States	Mexico Apache Kiowa Comanche
Commanders and leaders
Major Edmondson	Unknown
Strength
200	500
Casualties and losses
1 killed "several slightly" wounded	17 killed

The Battle of Red River Canyon was a fight during the Taos Revolt, which was part of the Mexican–American War. On May 26, 1847, a group of American soldiers were traveling through northern New Mexico. They were suddenly attacked by a combined force. This force included Mexican fighters and their allies from the Apache, Kiowa, and Comanche tribes.

What Led to the Red River Canyon Battle?

On May 26, 1847, United States Army Major Edmondson was leading a group of 200 soldiers. This group included both infantry (soldiers who fight on foot) and cavalry (soldiers who fight on horseback). They were led by Captains Holaway and Robinson.

As the sun began to set, they were marching along the Red River, also known as the Canadian River. They had just entered a narrow area called Red River Canyon. Suddenly, they were ambushed by about 500 Mexican and Native American fighters. This information was later reported to Colonel Alexander William Doniphan, a leader in the New Mexican Campaign.

The Fight in Red River Canyon

Red River Canyon was a difficult place to fight. It was very narrow and had thick, deep mud. Because of this, Major Edmundson had to tell his cavalry soldiers to get off their horses. They had to join the infantry and continue the attack on foot.

Now all on foot, the American soldiers pushed forward. They started to break up the ambush that had surprised them.

The Mexican and Native American fighters were pushed back at first. However, they quickly regrouped and attacked the American soldiers again. The Americans slowly began an organized retreat. A group called the Laclede rangers, led by Lieutenant Elliot, helped cover their withdrawal.

At sunrise, the American soldiers got back into formation. They went back into the canyon. They found that the Mexican and Native American fighters had left just before they arrived.

After the Battle

After this battle, another smaller fight happened. It was called the Battle of Cienega Creek.