Battle of Coon Creek, Kansas
In the annals of the American West, where the push of westward expansion met the established presence of Native American tribes, numerous skirmishes and battles unfolded. One such encounter, often overshadowed by larger and more well-documented conflicts, is the Battle of Coon Creek, Kansas. This engagement, which took place in June of 1848, offers a glimpse into the complexities of frontier life, the challenges faced by both the U.S. military and the Native American populations, and the evolving strategies employed in the clash for control of the vast plains.
The stage for the Battle of Coon Creek, Kansas was set against the backdrop of the Mexican-American War (1846-1848). Even as battles raged further south, the need to maintain order and protect trade routes along the Santa Fe Trail remained paramount. The Santa Fe Trail, a vital artery of commerce and communication, stretched across the vast expanse of the Great Plains, connecting the eastern settlements with the burgeoning communities of the Southwest. Protecting this trail from disruptions, particularly those posed by Native American tribes, was a crucial task for the U.S. military.
In May 1848, a company of approximately 70 soldiers embarked from Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, a key military outpost that served as a launching point for westward expeditions. Their destination was Chihuahua, Mexico, where they were slated to join the Santa Fe battalion, reinforcing American forces engaged in the ongoing war. However, their immediate mission involved escorting a wagon train composed of some 60 wagons. This wagon train originated from Council Grove, Kansas, a significant supply point and last outpost of civilization before venturing deep into the plains. The destination of the wagon train was Fort Mann, a military installation situated just west of present-day Dodge City, Kansas. Fort Mann served as another link in the chain of military outposts designed to protect the Santa Fe Trail and maintain a U.S. presence in the region. West of Walnut Creek, this contingent was joined by an artillery battalion comprised of 60 men and equipped with two cannons, adding a significant boost to their firepower.
On June 17th, the combined force made camp for the night on the banks of Coon Creek, near its confluence with the Arkansas River. This location, a few miles west of the modern-day town of Lewis, Kansas, offered a seemingly suitable campsite with access to water and grazing for the livestock. Little did they know that this seemingly peaceful location would soon become the site of a fierce confrontation.
The following morning, June 18th, the tranquility of the prairie was shattered by a sudden and unexpected event. An immense herd of buffalo, numbering in the hundreds, stampeded directly toward the military encampment. The thunderous sound of hooves and the sheer mass of the approaching animals created a scene of chaos and alarm. While the stampede itself posed a significant threat, it was merely a prelude to a more deliberate and calculated attack.
Hot on the heels of the buffalo herd, a force of approximately 200 Comanche and Apache warriors emerged, their presence signaling a coordinated and hostile intent. These tribes, renowned for their equestrian skills and their fierce resistance to westward expansion, had long viewed the encroachment of settlers and the disruption of the buffalo herds as a threat to their way of life. The Battle of Coon Creek, Kansas was shaping up as another chapter in the ongoing struggle for control of the plains.
The Comanche and Apache warriors, mounted on horseback and armed with bows, arrows, lances, and shields, charged towards the camp. Their initial assault was swift and aggressive, designed to overwhelm the soldiers and exploit any weaknesses in their defenses. The soldiers, armed with breech-loading carbines, prepared to meet the attack. However, the effectiveness of their firearms was somewhat diminished by the nature of the Comanche and Apache warriors’ defenses. The warriors carried rawhide shields, which proved surprisingly resilient against the bullets fired from the carbines. The bullets, according to accounts, "rattled harmlessly" against the shields, offering little in the way of penetration.
As the warriors closed in on the camp, the situation appeared dire for the soldiers. The initial charge was fierce, and the soldiers faced the very real prospect of being overrun and annihilated. However, the soldiers, despite the initial shock and the seemingly impenetrable defenses of the warriors, quickly adapted their strategy. Recognizing the limitations of their carbines against the rawhide shields, they shifted their focus to the horses.
With a concerted effort, the soldiers directed their fire at the horses ridden by the charging warriors. The breech-loading carbines, capable of rapid firing, proved devastatingly effective against the relatively unprotected animals. According to historical accounts, "nearly all the horses in the front rank were killed at the first volley." The sudden loss of their mounts disrupted the momentum of the charge and created chaos among the warriors.
The loss of their horses proved to be a critical turning point in the Battle of Coon Creek, Kansas. The warriors, now dismounted and vulnerable, lost much of their offensive capability. The remaining warriors, witnessing the carnage and facing the continued barrage of gunfire, began to retreat, seeking safety in flight. The tide of the battle had turned decisively in favor of the soldiers.
Following the retreat of the main force of warriors, a curious incident occurred, as documented in the official report of the engagement. An Indian woman, described as appearing to be "their queen," emerged onto the battlefield. She was mounted on a horse adorned with silver ornaments and wore a scarlet dress, making her a prominent and easily recognizable figure. According to the report, she "rode about giving directions about the wounded." Her identity remains a mystery, and her presence on the battlefield adds an intriguing element to the narrative of the Battle of Coon Creek, Kansas.
The exact location of the campsite and the subsequent battle has been the subject of some historical debate. However, it is generally believed to have been situated along the Arkansas River, approximately two miles northeast of present-day Kinsley, Kansas. At this location, a limestone post marker has been erected to commemorate the event. This marker serves as a tangible reminder of the Battle of Coon Creek, Kansas and its significance in the history of the American West.
While the Battle of Coon Creek, Kansas might be considered a relatively minor engagement in the broader context of the Indian Wars, it offers valuable insights into the nature of frontier conflict. It highlights the challenges faced by both the U.S. military and the Native American tribes, the evolving tactics employed by both sides, and the complex dynamics of cultural clash and territorial dispute that characterized the American West. It serves as a reminder of the human cost of westward expansion and the enduring legacy of the conflicts that shaped the nation.