U.S. Army soldiers
muster for inspection at Gillem's Camp, winter 1872-73. |
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The Lava Beds: Homeland, Battlefield,
Park
"From the standpoint of the student of
Indian-white man relations, the Modoc War is an almost perfect case
study in cultural conflict, leading to actual violence and death, and
resulting in the total collapse of the Indian way of life in the Lava
Beds. In addition, the area involved is so small that it is quite simple
to gain some knowledge of the war in a single afternoon, and to gain a
considerable understanding of what occurred in the course of two or
three days of research, coupled with hiking through the battle areas if
a visitor to the Lava Beds National Monument cares to make the effort."
- Erwin N. Thompson,
Modoc War: Its Military History & Topography
The Lava Beds have a long history. Rock art on cliffs and cave walls are
evidence of thousands of years of habitation by native peoples. The last
Native Americas to call the Lava Beds their home were the Modocs, who's
conflict with the U.S. Army lead to their complete removal to
reservations as far away as Oklahoma. Then, through the efforts of
veterans of that conflict and local cave enthusiast J.D. Howard, this
National Monument was created in 1925. With the help of the Civilian
Conservation Corps, the park was developed into much of what visitors
enjoy here today.
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