Battle of Tasawicks Village, Washington
The harsh winter of 1855-1856 had gripped the Walla Walla Valley of Washington, testing the resilience of the U.S. troops stationed there. As the icy grip of winter began to loosen, a desire for action stirred within the ranks. Fuelled by a combination of strategic necessity and perhaps a touch of pent-up frustration, Colonel Thomas Cornelius of the 1st Oregon Volunteers, assembled a force of over 300 men. Their mission: to pursue and engage the Walla Walla and Palouse Indians. Despite being hampered by inadequate supplies, the troops were determined to assert their presence and establish dominance in the region. This would set the stage for the events at Battle of Tasawicks Village, Washington.
On March 9, 1856, the 1st Oregon Volunteers began their northward march, leaving the relative comfort of their winter encampments behind. The landscape of southeastern Washington was a stark contrast to the lush forests of the western part of the state. Rolling hills, arid plains, and the ever-present Snake River defined the terrain, presenting both challenges and strategic advantages to those who traversed it. The troops, burdened with their gear and provisions, pressed onward, their destination the Palouse village of Tasawicks.
Four days later, on March 13th, the volunteers reached their objective: the Snake River near Tasawicks. The village was strategically situated approximately 25 miles upstream from the confluence of the Snake and Columbia Rivers. This location offered the Palouse people access to vital resources and served as a key point for trade and communication along the river system. The area teemed with wildlife, providing sustenance, and the river itself served as a critical transportation route. The volunteers’ arrival at Battle of Tasawicks Village, Washington would dramatically alter the lives of the people who called the area home.
As the soldiers approached the village, the inhabitants, largely unprepared for such a large military force, reacted with alarm. The majority of the Palouse people, recognizing the overwhelming strength of the approaching troops, made the difficult decision to flee. They gathered their families and belongings, seeking refuge further inland and hoping to avoid a direct confrontation. This swift evacuation left behind a sparsely populated village, but not entirely devoid of life.
The 1st Oregon Volunteers commenced their river crossing, utilizing boats to ferry the troops and their equipment across the frigid waters of the Snake River. The crossing was slow and methodical, requiring careful coordination and exposing the soldiers to potential ambush. As the troops secured a foothold on the opposite bank, they encountered a tragic scene.
In their haste to escape, a small group of older Palouse men were unable to keep pace with the rest of the fleeing villagers. These men, likely elders of the community, were overtaken by the advancing U.S. troops. In a brutal and regrettable act, the advance guard of the volunteers killed these four defenseless men. This act of violence cast a dark shadow over the entire operation, highlighting the brutality and disregard for human life that often characterized the conflicts between settlers and Native Americans.
Following the killings, the volunteers continued their advance into the village. They encountered little resistance, as most of the inhabitants had already fled. However, they did manage to capture two Palouse women and a young boy. The boy was given the name Thomas, after Colonel Cornelius, the commander of the 1st Oregon Volunteers.
The capture of these three individuals marked what would become Colonel Cornelius’s sole "victory" of the entire campaign. This so-called victory was a stark reminder of the power imbalance between the U.S. military and the Native American tribes. The Battle of Tasawicks Village, Washington was, in reality, a one-sided affair, where a superiorly armed and equipped force easily overwhelmed a small village whose inhabitants were primarily concerned with survival. The encounter at the Battle of Tasawicks Village, Washington speaks volumes about the conflict between the settlers and the Native American tribes.
The aftermath of the engagement at Tasawicks Village was complex and far-reaching. The killing of the elderly men and the capture of the women and child undoubtedly instilled fear and resentment among the Palouse people. It likely strengthened their resolve to resist further encroachment on their lands and way of life. The Battle of Tasawicks Village, Washington was a catalyst for the ongoing conflict.
For the 1st Oregon Volunteers, the event at Tasawicks Village may have been viewed as a minor success, a demonstration of their military might. However, it is important to consider the broader context of the Indian Wars and the devastating impact these conflicts had on Native American populations. The disruption of their traditional way of life, the loss of their lands, and the violence they endured left deep scars that continue to resonate today. The Battle of Tasawicks Village, Washington was not an isolated incident but a symptom of a larger, more destructive pattern.
The events at Tasawicks Village highlight the importance of understanding the history of the American West from multiple perspectives. While historical accounts often focus on the narratives of settlers and soldiers, it is crucial to acknowledge the experiences and perspectives of the Native American tribes who were directly impacted by these events. Their stories, often passed down through oral traditions, provide valuable insights into the complexities of this period and offer a more complete understanding of the past.
The Battle of Tasawicks Village, Washington may seem like a small, relatively insignificant event in the grand scheme of history. However, it serves as a microcosm of the larger conflicts and injustices that occurred during the westward expansion of the United States. It reminds us of the importance of remembering and learning from the past, so that we can strive to create a more just and equitable future for all. The Battle of Tasawicks Village, Washington remains a poignant reminder of a dark chapter in American history, underscoring the need for empathy, understanding, and a commitment to truth and reconciliation. This area should be remembered as the Battle of Tasawicks Village, Washington.