Battle of the Second Walla Walla Council, Washington
The vast landscapes of Washington State, etched with the stories of indigenous peoples and the westward expansion of the United States, bear witness to numerous historical events. Among these, the Battle of the Second Walla Walla Council stands as a stark reminder of the tensions and conflicts that arose from the clash of cultures and competing claims to land and resources. This event, occurring shortly after the failed peace negotiations, underscored the deep-seated mistrust and animosity that fueled the Yakima War and subsequent conflicts in the Pacific Northwest.
In the mid-19th century, the United States government, driven by the doctrine of Manifest Destiny, sought to expand its territory and influence across the North American continent. This expansion inevitably led to increased interactions, and often confrontations, with the Native American tribes who had inhabited these lands for centuries. The Walla Walla Valley, a fertile and strategically important region in present-day southeastern Washington, became a focal point of these tensions.
The First Walla Walla Council, held in 1855, aimed to establish treaties with various tribes of the Columbia Plateau, including the Yakama, Cayuse, Umatilla, Walla Walla, and Nez Perce. While these treaties ostensibly secured land cessions from the tribes in exchange for reservations, annuities, and other provisions, the reality was far more complex. The treaties were often poorly understood by the Native American leaders, who faced pressure and coercion from U.S. officials. Furthermore, the treaties were not always honored by the U.S. government, leading to resentment and disillusionment among the tribes.
The simmering discontent eventually erupted into open warfare with the outbreak of the Yakima War in 1855. Sparked by a series of incidents, including the murder of Indian Agent Andrew Bolon and escalating tensions over land and resources, the war pitted the Yakama tribe, led by the charismatic Chief Kamiakin, against the U.S. Army. The conflict spread quickly, drawing in other tribes and engulfing much of the eastern Washington territory in violence.
Amidst the ongoing conflict, Washington Territory Governor Isaac Stevens sought to restore peace and prevent further bloodshed. He convened the Second Walla Walla Council in September 1856, hoping to negotiate a ceasefire and reaffirm the treaties established at the first council. Governor Stevens, a controversial figure known for his ambition and often heavy-handed approach to Indian affairs, believed that a negotiated settlement was essential to securing the region for American settlement and development.
The Second Walla Walla Council convened between September 8th and 18th, 1856. The council grounds, located near the confluence of the Walla Walla and Columbia Rivers, were once again filled with representatives from numerous tribes, as well as U.S. Army officers and government officials. The atmosphere was tense, with both sides harboring deep suspicions and grievances.
Governor Stevens opened the council with a speech emphasizing the importance of peace and cooperation. He reiterated the terms of the existing treaties and urged the tribes to abide by their provisions. However, the Native American leaders expressed their dissatisfaction with the treaties and their concerns about the encroachment of settlers onto their lands. Chief Kamiakin, although present, remained largely silent, his presence a symbol of the ongoing resistance.
As the council progressed, it became clear that a peaceful resolution was unlikely. The fundamental disagreements between the two sides proved insurmountable. The tribes demanded greater recognition of their rights and control over their lands, while Governor Stevens insisted on adherence to the existing treaties. The council dragged on for days, with little progress made.
Finally, after ten days of fruitless negotiations, Governor Stevens declared the Second Walla Walla Council a failure. He announced that he would continue to enforce the treaties and that those who resisted would face the full force of the U.S. Army. With the council officially dissolved, the tribal leaders departed, their hopes for a peaceful resolution dashed.
The failure of the Second Walla Walla Council was not the end of the story. Shortly after Stevens’ party departed the meeting grounds, a group of young warriors, incensed by the failed negotiations and eager to strike a blow against the Americans, launched an attack. This attack, led by Qualchan of the Yakama and Quit-ten-e-nock, marked a significant escalation of the conflict and solidified the collapse of peace.
The attackers, consisting of young warriors from several tribes present at the council, ambushed Stevens’ party as they made their way back to the settlements. The attack was swift and fierce, catching the Americans off guard. However, Stevens’ escort, composed of U.S. Army troops under the command of Colonel Edward Steptoe, quickly rallied and returned fire.
The ensuing battle was a brief but intense affair. The U.S. soldiers, better armed and trained, were able to repel the attackers. The Native American warriors, fighting with courage and determination, inflicted some casualties on the Americans but were ultimately forced to retreat.
The Battle of the Second Walla Walla Council had significant consequences. It marked a turning point in the Yakima War, solidifying the breakdown of negotiations and escalating the conflict. It also led to increased military presence in the region and a hardening of attitudes on both sides.
Following the battle, General John Wool, commander of the Department of the Pacific, took steps to contain the conflict and prevent further bloodshed. He closed the territory beyond The Dalles to white migrants, effectively halting westward expansion in the region. He also ordered Colonel Steptoe to prevent settlers from returning to the Walla Walla Valley, recognizing the potential for further conflict.
General Wool’s actions, while intended to maintain peace, were met with criticism from settlers and politicians who saw them as an impediment to westward expansion. However, they did succeed in temporarily cooling down the armed conflict east of the Cascades.
The Battle of the Second Walla Walla Council stands as a pivotal event in the history of the Pacific Northwest. It highlights the complexities and tragedies of the westward expansion era, the clash of cultures, and the struggle for land and resources. It serves as a reminder of the importance of understanding and respecting the rights and perspectives of all peoples. While the immediate aftermath saw a temporary lull in fighting, the underlying tensions remained, eventually leading to further conflicts and ultimately, the displacement and dispossession of the Native American tribes of the region. The council’s failure and subsequent battle underscore the lasting impact of broken promises and the devastating consequences of unchecked expansionism.