Second Battle of Dragoon Springs facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Second Battle of Dragoon Springs
Part of the American Civil War Apache Wars
Apache warriors
Date May 9, 1862 Location Dragoon Mountains, New Mexico Territory (USA), Arizona Territory (CSA); now in Cochise County, Arizona Result Confederate States victory, Confederacy and Indians settle a truce and forms an alliance
Belligerents
Apache	Confederate States
Commanders and leaders
Cochise Francisco	Unknown
Casualties and losses
5 killed	None

The Second Battle of Dragoon Springs was a small fight, also called a skirmish, between Apache warriors and Confederate soldiers. It happened in Arizona on May 9, 1862, during the American Civil War. This battle was a direct response to an earlier fight, the First Battle of Dragoon Springs, where the Confederate forces had lost. In that first skirmish, four men were killed, and the Apache warriors took several farm animals, like cows and horses.

What Happened at Dragoon Springs?

After the first battle, a Confederate leader named Sherod Hunter wanted to get the stolen animals back. He ordered a group of his soldiers, called a foraging squad, to find and take back the livestock from Cochise's Apache warriors. During this mission, a fight broke out.

The Fight for Livestock

The Confederate soldiers faced off against Cochise's warriors. In the end, five Apache warriors were killed during this skirmish. The Confederate side had no soldiers killed or injured. This outcome was a victory for the Confederates. It also led to a temporary peace agreement and an alliance between the Confederacy and some Apache groups.

Why Was This Battle Important?

Even though it was a small battle, the Second Battle of Dragoon Springs was part of two bigger conflicts. It was a part of the American Civil War, which was fought between the Northern and Southern states of America. It was also part of the Apache Wars, which were a series of conflicts between the United States Army and various Apache tribes. This battle showed how different groups were fighting for control and resources in the Arizona Territory during a very busy time in history.