Warren Wagon Train raid facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Warren Wagon Train raid |
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|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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| Belligerents | |||||||
| Kiowa |  United States |
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| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
| Satanta Satank Mamanti Big Tree White Horse Eagle Heart Big Bow Yellow Wolf Fast Bear |
Henry Warren | ||||||
| Strength | |||||||
| 150 | 12 | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| 3 | 7 wagon runners killed | ||||||
The Warren Wagon Train raid, also known as the Salt Creek attack, happened on May 18, 1871. Henry Warren had a job to deliver supplies to forts in West Texas. These forts included Fort Richardson, Fort Griffin, and Fort Concho.
While traveling, Warren's team met General William Tecumseh Sherman. Less than an hour later, they saw a large group of riders. They soon realized these were Native American warriors, likely from the Kiowa or Comanche tribes. The wagons quickly formed a circle for defense. The warriors attacked, destroying the corn supplies. Seven wagon drivers were killed during the attack. Five men managed to escape, including Thomas Brazeale. He walked about 20 miles to Fort Richardson to report what happened.
When Colonel Ranald S. Mackenzie heard about the attack, he told General Sherman. Sherman and Mackenzie then looked for the warriors responsible. Even with Guipago (Lone Wolf) ready to fight, three war leaders were arrested at Fort Sill. These leaders were Satanta (White Bear), Satank (Sitting Bear), and Ado-ete (Big Tree). Satank tried to escape and died while being taken to Fort Richardson for trial. The other two, Satanta and Big Tree, were later put on trial for their actions.
Contents
The Attack
Many of the Native American warriors came from the Fort Sill Reservation. They believed they could attack in Texas and then return safely across the Red River. This river was a border between different legal areas. About 180 Kiowa warriors planned the ambush. Their leaders included Satanta, Satank, Mamanti, Big Tree, White Horse, Fast Bear, Yellow Wolf, and Eagle Heart.
They hid in a thick area of bushes in Salt Creek Prairie. From there, they watched General William Tecumseh Sherman's group of about 18 soldiers approach. Even though the Kiowa warriors greatly outnumbered the soldiers, they did not attack. The Kiowa story says that the night before, Mamanti, a shaman, had predicted that a smaller group would be followed by a larger one with more supplies.
Three hours later, 10 wagons pulled by mules came into view. These wagons were full of army corn and food. The Kiowa warriors quickly attacked and took over this group of wagons. Seven mule drivers were killed. However, five men managed to escape. The warriors lost three of their own. They left with 40 mules loaded with supplies.
It was dark when the survivors reached Fort Richardson. They told their frightening story to General Sherman, whose own group had passed by unharmed earlier. General Sherman then ordered the arrest of the Native American war chiefs at Fort Sill. Satank died while trying to escape from the soldiers. Satanta and Big Tree were put on trial for their part in the attack. This was one of the first trials of Native American leaders in history. They were found responsible for the deaths on July 5–6 in Jack County, Texas. Two years later, they were released and sent back to their people. This happened because Guipago worked well with government agents.
Historical Markers
People have placed special markers to remember the Warren Wagon Train Raid. These markers help us learn about the past.
Texas Roadside Marker
In 1977, a historical marker was placed for the Warren Wagon Train Raid. This marker is about 1.5 miles west of where the attack actually happened.
Texas Centennial Marker
A special Texas Centennial Marker was put at the exact spot of the attack in 1936. This marker is a white stone pillar surrounded by a low steel fence. The words on it say:
"BURIED HERE are the remains of seven teamsters, Nathan S. Long, N.J. Baxter, Jesse Bowman, James S and Samuel E. Elliott, James and Thomas Williams. Employed by Henry Warren, Government contractor, who were slain by Indians under Satana, Satank, and Big Tree. Kiowa and Comanche chiefs. On May 18, 1871 while hauling forage between Jacksboro and Fort Griffin."
Young County Historical Tour
There is also a bronze plaque located on Monument Road. It is about 0.5 miles north of the hill where the Native Americans hid before the attack.
Images for kids
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Warren Wagon Train Massacre Texas Historical Marker
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Marker describing the attack and exact location
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Hill where the Indians hid before the attack
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Sketch created in 1871 of original marker showing location of wooden monument erected at the location of the massacre
