Snake War - About The War

About The War

The Snake War was not defined by one large battle but was a series of guerrilla skirmishes by the Indians, and American patrols from many small camps, taking place across California, Utah, Nevada, Oregon, and Idaho. Unlike other Indian Wars, the Snake War lacked notable leaders on either side. Probably the most well-known Indian leader was Chief Paulina and the most well-known U.S. Army commander in the Snake War may have been George Crook. He later led operations in the Apache Wars. He also played a significant role for the Union in the Civil War. Many of the U.S. troops fighting in the beginning of the war were volunteer regiments from the states of Oregon and California. The regular US Army called the period of their involvement in the Snake War, the Campaign against Indians, Oregon, Idaho, and California (1865–1868).