The Modoc War

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The Modoc War of 1872-1873 is significant in the Indian Wars because it was publicized worldwide and it was of the last wars in the era. The involving parties of this conflict included Modoc band leaders, Klamath Indians, the US Army and the settlers of the surrounding areas. The land of interest consisted of Southern Oregon from Fort Klamath and Klamath Reservation through the Northern border in California. This essay concentrates on the young Modoc sub chief known as Captain Jack because he wore a uniform coast with brass buttons. His real name was Kintpuash and he was born at Tule Lake in 1837. Kintpuash’s approximate age would have been 35 years during the first battles of the Modoc War. Kintpuash’s knowledge of his homelands provided his small band with an advantage during the initial months. The land they were fighting on was considered their traditional fishing grounds and village sites. Their victories were well deserved despite the factors that were not in their favor. The Modoc Indians’ had many factors against them. They were always outnumbered and at times they were considered severely outnumbered. Some sources claim ratios as high as 6:1. Among the Modoc numbers included women and children. It was considered to be army fighting against families during the winter and spring conditions. The first tensions began on the Klamath Reservation when the Modocs signed a treaty to quarter alongside their neighboring Klamath tribe in 1864. Issues here included lack of food, poverty, sickness and general unwelcoming attitudes. Kintpuash’s band of Modocs had to travel to different parts of the reservation to avoid hostile matters. Yet there was no place within the reservation borders that had the resources they ... ... middle of paper ... ...tion Act of 1990. I had read this act before and strongly support its existence. All in all, Kintpuash (Captain Jack) was a leader to the Modocs and he should be remembered for his roles throughout the entire Modoc War. The entire war had to be detailed in order to understand the leader he was. I believe he acted and fought in nobly for his people and in hopes of their independence. Works Cited https://www.newworldencyclopedia.org/entry/Kintpuash http://www.militarymuseum.org/Modoc1.html http://www.ohs.org/education/oregonhistory/historical_records/dspDocument.cfm?doc_ID=00038FD5-99BB-1EE8-827980B05272FE9F http://www.sierranevadageotourism.org/content/captain-jacks-stronghold-lava-beds-national-monument/sieF813559E558B22224 http://explore.globalcreations.com/places/captain-jacks-stronghold/ http://www.nps.gov/history/history/online_books/labe/contents.htm

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