Battle of Pine Creek
Encyclopedia
The Battle of Pine Creek, also known as the Battle of Tohotonimme and the Steptoe Fight, was a conflict between United States Army
forces under Lt. Colonel Edward J. Steptoe
and members of the Coeur d'Alene
, Palouse
and Paiute
Native American
tribes. It took place on May 17, 1858 near what is present-day Rosalia, Washington
. The Native Americans were victorious.
on May 6, 1858. His stated mission was to investigate the murder of two white prospectors by natives, as well as demonstrate a military presence in order to calm the white settlers who were encroaching on Indian territory. Leaving the fort, Steptoe's command of 159 soldiers were each issued about 40 rounds of ammunition. The group also ported two mountain howitzers
.
On May 15th, Steptoe made camp on a hilltop south of Rosalia, Washington
. Shortly after, warriors from area tribes confronted Steptoe protesting the encroachment on their territory. Negotiations failed to defuse the situation. On the morning of May 17th, Steptoe led his troops near the confluence of Spring Valley Creek and North Pine Creek. It was at this time the Indians began their attack. A running battle ensued for the next ten hours. By early afternoon Steptoe found himself defending the attackers from a hill overlooking Pine Creek from the east. The Indian warriors withdrew for the night, expecting to finish the battle the next morning. At that time they did not realize that Steptoe's forces were down to about three rounds of ammunition per man. Under cover of darkness and a driving rain, Steptoe abandoned his supplies and cannon. He then led his command through the enemy lines to safety towards Fort Walla Walla without being detected.
United States Army
The United States Army is the main branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for land-based military operations. It is the largest and oldest established branch of the U.S. military, and is one of seven U.S. uniformed services...
forces under Lt. Colonel Edward J. Steptoe
Edward Steptoe
Edward Jenner Steptoe was an officer in the United States Army who served in the Mexican-American War and the Indian Wars. He is primarily remembered for his defeat at the Battle of Pine Creek during the Spokane-Coeur d'Alene-Paloos War. It was at Pine Creek where Steptoe and 164 men were ambushed...
and members of the Coeur d'Alene
Coeur d'Alene
Coeur d'Alene may refer to a people and related place names in the northwestern United States:* Coeur d'Alene Tribe, a First Nations/Native American tribe** Coeur d'Alene language** Coeur d'Alene Reservation** Coeur d'Alene v. Idaho, a U.S...
, Palouse
Palouse
The Palouse is a region of the northwestern United States, encompassing parts of southeastern Washington, north central Idaho and, in some definitions, extending south into northeast Oregon. It is a major agricultural area, primarily producing wheat and legumes...
and Paiute
Paiute
Paiute refers to three closely related groups of Native Americans — the Northern Paiute of California, Idaho, Nevada and Oregon; the Owens Valley Paiute of California and Nevada; and the Southern Paiute of Arizona, southeastern California and Nevada, and Utah.-Origin of name:The origin of...
Native American
Native Americans in the United States
Native Americans in the United States are the indigenous peoples in North America within the boundaries of the present-day continental United States, parts of Alaska, and the island state of Hawaii. They are composed of numerous, distinct tribes, states, and ethnic groups, many of which survive as...
tribes. It took place on May 17, 1858 near what is present-day Rosalia, Washington
Rosalia, Washington
Rosalia is a town in Whitman County, Washington, U.S.A. It is an agricultural community in the Palouse region, at an elevation of 2238 feet above sea level. Its population was 550 at the 2010 census.-History:...
. The Native Americans were victorious.
Chronology of the battle
Steptoe departed Fort Walla WallaFort Walla Walla
Fort Walla Walla is a fort located in Walla Walla, Washington. It was established in 1858. Today, the complex contains a park, a museum, and a hospital.Fort Walla Walla should be distinguished from Fort Nez Percés or Old Fort Walla Walla ....
on May 6, 1858. His stated mission was to investigate the murder of two white prospectors by natives, as well as demonstrate a military presence in order to calm the white settlers who were encroaching on Indian territory. Leaving the fort, Steptoe's command of 159 soldiers were each issued about 40 rounds of ammunition. The group also ported two mountain howitzers
Mountain gun
Mountain guns are artillery pieces designed for use in mountain warfare and areas where usual wheeled transport is not possible. They are similar to infantry support guns, and are generally capable of being broken down into smaller loads .Due to their ability to be broken down into smaller...
.
On May 15th, Steptoe made camp on a hilltop south of Rosalia, Washington
Rosalia, Washington
Rosalia is a town in Whitman County, Washington, U.S.A. It is an agricultural community in the Palouse region, at an elevation of 2238 feet above sea level. Its population was 550 at the 2010 census.-History:...
. Shortly after, warriors from area tribes confronted Steptoe protesting the encroachment on their territory. Negotiations failed to defuse the situation. On the morning of May 17th, Steptoe led his troops near the confluence of Spring Valley Creek and North Pine Creek. It was at this time the Indians began their attack. A running battle ensued for the next ten hours. By early afternoon Steptoe found himself defending the attackers from a hill overlooking Pine Creek from the east. The Indian warriors withdrew for the night, expecting to finish the battle the next morning. At that time they did not realize that Steptoe's forces were down to about three rounds of ammunition per man. Under cover of darkness and a driving rain, Steptoe abandoned his supplies and cannon. He then led his command through the enemy lines to safety towards Fort Walla Walla without being detected.