Yakama Indian Wars

North American history

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July 15, 2026

Quick Summary

The Yakama Indian Wars (1855–58) were a conflict between the Yakama tribe and U.S. forces. The Yakama, along with 13 other Sahaptin-speaking Plateau tribes, were to be placed on a reservation by a treaty. However, Yakama chief Kamaiakan led a united front to drive out non-natives before the treaty was ratified.1

This uprising spread to other tribes in Washington and Oregon. After three years of conflict, Native American forces were defeated at the Battle of Four Lakes in September 1858. The 1855 treaty was then enacted, confining the Yakama and most other tribes to reservations and opening their lands to settlers. The Yakama Nation now consists of approximately 11,000 individuals.1

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Yakama
…acquired historical distinction in the Yakama Indian Wars (1855–58), an attempt by the tribe to resist U.S. forces intent upon clearing the Washington Territory for prospectors and settlers. The conflict stemmed from a treaty that had been negotiated in 1855, according to which the Yakama and 13 other tribes (identified…
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…acquired historical distinction in the Yakama Indian Wars (1855–58), an attempt by the tribe to resist U.S. forces intent upon clearing the Washington Territory for prospectors and settlers. The conflict stemmed from a treaty that had been negotiated in 1855, according to which the Yakama and 13 other tribes (identified…
Read More