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Modoc War
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Modoc War

United States [1872–1873]
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Quick Summary

The Modoc War was a conflict between the Modoc people and the United States that took place from 1872 to 1873. The war stemmed from the U.S. government's treaty obligations and the Modoc's forced relocation to a reservation.

In 1864, the Modoc and Klamath tribes were pressured to cede most of their land and move to a reservation. When the U.S. government failed to provide adequate rations, an insurgent Modoc band led by Captain Jack left the reservation in 1870. Federal attempts to force their return led to the Modoc War. Approximately 80 Modoc warriors and their families retreated to the California Lava Beds, where they mounted an effective resistance against U.S. troops. The conflict escalated after the murder of Brig. Gen. Edward Canby, who was leading a peace commission. Captain Jack was eventually betrayed, surrendered, and was hanged. His followers were relocated to Indian Territory and were not permitted to return to Oregon until 1909.1

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2 Britannica Sources
  1. Modoc and Klamath
  2. Modoc

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