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 and Cookes Canyon, was a favored location for an ambush by the Apache along the Butterfield Overland Mail route.
| Skirmish in Doubtful Canyon | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part of the Apache Wars, American Civil War | |||||||
| |||||||
| Belligerents | |||||||
 United States | Apache | ||||||
| Commanders and leaders | |||||||
|
Henry H. Stevens | unknown | ||||||
| Strength | |||||||
| 54 | ~100 | ||||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||||
| 5 or 6 wounded, 1 missing | 10 killed, 20 wounded | ||||||
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 54 men of Company I, 5th California Volunteer Infantry Regiment under Lieutenant Henry H. Stevens.[1] The skirmish lasted about an hour until the Apache fled. The Apache lost 10 killed and 20 wounded. The Californians lost 1 missing and 5 wounded according to official records.[2] Michno claims the battle lasted almost two hours and that the Californians suffered 6 wounded (1 mortally), and 1 missing, presumed killed.[1]
References
edit- 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.
32°19′09″N 109°05′01″W / 32.31905°N 109.08360°W
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