Battle of Fort Tularosa
The Battle of Tularosa occurred in May 1880 in present-day Catron County, New Mexico. In an ongoing campaign to keep from being forced to live on reservations, Chiricahua Apache warriors led by Victorio attacked Fort Tularosa north of San Francisco Plaza. Buffalo Soldiers from the U.S. Army's 9th Calvary led by Sergeant George Jordan repulsed the attack. Ten years afterwards Jordan was awarded the Medal of Honor for his leadership in the battle.[1]
About
On the morning of May 14, 1880, Sergeant George Jordan arrived at Fort Tularosa with a detachment of twenty-five soldiers from K Troop of the 9th Calvary. They were ordered to protect Fort Tularosa from potential attack, escort provisions, establish a supply depot and protect local settlers. Jordan immediately had the troops build a new fort and stockade to protect the townspeople.
After successfully killing several settlers south of Fort Tularosa, Victorio's forces, reportedly 100 strong, went north to continue their ongoing campaign against white settlement. They attacked the Fort on the evening of May 14.[2] After more than 10 hours of fighting Jordan's troops drove off the Apaches.[3] The Buffalo Soldiers suffered only a few casualties.[4]
Immediately after the battle the remainder of Colonel George Jordan's 9th Calvary arrived at the Fort, with a large contingent giving chase to Victorio's warriors. The US troops were unable to follow the Chiricahua forces after they escaped into Mexico.[5]
See also
References
- ^ Amos, P. (1974) Above and Beyond in the West: Black Medal of Honor Winners, 1870-1890. Washington, DC: Potomac Corral.
- ^ Field, R. (2004) Buffalo Soldiers: 1866-1891. Osprey Publishing. p. 44.
- ^ (nd) Battle of Tularosa. BlackPast.org. Retrieved 6/16/07.
- ^ Gott, K. (nd)In Search of an Elusive Enemy: The Victorio campaign, 1879-1880. Leavenworth, KS: DIANE Publishing. p. 32.
- ^ Beyer, W.F. and Keydel, O.F. (1906) Deeds of Valor: From Records in the Archives of the United States Government. Perrien-Keydel Co. p. 273.