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.
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County
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