Skirmish in Doubtful Canyon
Skirmish in Doubtful Canyon | |||||||
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Part of the Apache Wars, American Civil War | |||||||
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Belligerents | |||||||
![]() | Apache | ||||||
Commanders and leaders | |||||||
![]() | unknown | ||||||
Strength | |||||||
54 | ~100 | ||||||
Casualties and losses | |||||||
5 or 6 wounded, 1 missing | 10 killed, 20 wounded |
The Skirmish in Doubtful Canyon took place on May 3, 1864 between a company of infantry from the California Column and a band of about 100 Apaches. The fighting occurred near Steins Peak in Doubtful Canyon, Arizona Territory. Doubtful Canyon, along with Apache Pass in Arizona and , in New Mexico was a favored location for an ambush by the Apache along the Butterfield Overland Mail route.
The Californians were on the march from Fort Cummings to Fort Bowie in the military District of Arizona, when they were attacked in the canyon.[1] The band of Apaches were defeated by fifty-four men of Company I, 5th California Volunteer Infantry Regiment under Lieutenant .[1] The skirmish lasted about an hour, until the Apache fled. The Apache lost 10 killed, 20 wounded. The Californians lost one missing, five wounded according to official records.[2] Michno claims the battle lasted almost 2 hours and that the Californians suffered 6 wounded, (1 mortally), 1 missing presumed killed.[1]
References[]
- Michno, F. Gregory (2009). Encyclopedia of Indian wars: Western battles and skirmishes 1850–1890. Missoula, Montana: Mountain Press Publishing Company. ISBN 978-0-87842-468-9.
Coordinates: 32°19′09″N 109°05′01″W / 32.31905°N 109.08360°W
- Conflicts in 1864
- Battles of the California Column of the American Civil War
- Union victories of the American Civil War
- Battles involving the Apache
- Battles involving the United States
- History of Hidalgo County, New Mexico
- History of United States expansionism
- 19th-century military history of the United States
- Battles of the Trans-Mississippi Theater of the American Civil War
- Apache Wars
- Battles of the American Civil War in Arizona
- May 1864 events
- American Civil War battle stubs