Modoc War Correspondence Compilation

Modoc War Correspondence Compilation, 1850-1901

Overview of the Collection

Title: Modoc War Correspondence Compilation
Dates: 1850-1901 (inclusive)
18501901
Quantity: 1 box, (box with a folder containing sheets of paper, some with years written on them, arranged chronologically)
Collection Number: SHL190
Summary: The Modoc War between the Modoc Tribe and the US Army lasted for 8 months between 1872 and 1873. Collection contains correspondence and records of interviews of the main participants of the conflict.
Repository: Oregon Institute of Technology Libraries, Shaw Historical Library
Oregon Institute of Technology Libraries
3201 Campus Drive
Klamath Falls, OR
97601
Telephone: 5418851772
Fax: 5418851777
libtech@oit.edu
Languages: English

Historical NoteReturn to Top

The Modoc War between the Modoc Tribe and the US Army lasted for 8 months between 1872 and 1873. Casualties include 200 U.S. soldiers and 13 warrior and civilian Modocs. The war marked the first time a ranking general lost his life during a conflict between the Federal Government and Native Americans. It was also the first time Native American leaders were tried and executed for war crimes. The Modoc War was known as one of the costliest of the 19th-Century Indian Wars, due to the remoteness of the area at the time (Lava Beds) and the ability of the inferior Modoc forces to successfully repel more numerous U.S. troops for almost 4 months.

Content DescriptionReturn to Top

A folder with sheets of yellow paper with typed notes glued to them. The notes represent correspondence on the subject of relationship between the Modoc Indian tribes and the white settlers shortly before the start of the Modoc War, during the War, and after. Collection contains letters from military commanders, like E.R.S. Canby, settlers and ranchers like J. Fairchild; records of interviews and talks with the Modoc warriors including Captain Jack. There are handwritten notes on the margins in different handwriting. The sheets are arranged in chronological order from 1850 to 1901.

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