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The Two Battles of Pyramid Lake

The Two Battles of Pyramid Lake

The Two Battles of Pyramid Lake Overview

On May 12, 1860, Northern Paiute (Numu) warriors, fighting to retain their way of life, decisively defeated a volunteer army from Virginia City and nearby settlements.

On June 2, 1860, a larger force of volunteers and regular U.S. Army troops engaged Numu warriors in battle. Several hundred warriors, held back forces until their women, children, and elders could escape. Numu war leader, Numaga (young Winnemucca) desired only peace, but he fought back to defend his people.

Category

  • Military
  • Native American
  • Person

Marker Type

Blue marker

Nevada Historical Marker Number

The Two Battles of Pyramid Lake is Nevada Historical Marker #148.

Click here to view the full list of Nevada State Historical Markers.

County

Washoe County, Nevada

GPS Coordinates

39.749278, -119.331785

Nevada Historical Marker Transcription

On May 12, 1860, Northern Paiute warriors, fighting to retain their way of life, decisively defeated a volunteer army from Virginia City and nearby settlements.  The battle began with a skillful Numu (Paiute) Native American ambush north of Nixon and with the engagement continuing along the plateau on the opposite side of the Truckee River almost to the present site of Wadsworth.

On June 2, 1860, a larger force of volunteers and regular U.S. Army troops engaged Numu warriors in battle along the tableland and mountainside.  Several hundred warriors, attempting a delaying action to allow their women, children, and elders to escape, fought with such courage and strategy that the attacking forces were held back during the day until the Numu could withdraw.

Numu war leader, Numaga (young Winnemucca) desired only peace, but he fought back to defend his people.

STATE HISTORICAL MARKER NO.  148

STATE HISTORIC PRESERVATION OFFICE

DAUGHTERS OF THE AMERICAN COLONISTS

References Used

The Two Battles of Pyramid Lake