Walla Walla Indians
After the skirmish at Tasawicks Village on March 13, 1856, Colonel Thomas Cornelius and his 1st Oregon Volunteers continued across eastern Washington in a vain attempt to find the Walla Walla and Palouse Indians. After seeing no Indians in the Palouse country, he sent part of his force south to rest and reconnoiter at The Dalles, while he and the rest of his troops continued on to the Columbia River, then downriver to old Fort Walla Walla, and up the Yakima River.
At Satus Creek, he finally came upon a large group of Yakama Indians on April 10, 1856. Spying the volunteers, Chief Kamiakin and about 300 warriors attacked Cornelius and his men near the confluence of Satus Creek and the Yakima River. Though the battle raged for about five hours, it yielded little for either side. Of the volunteers, one was killed. It was estimated that just a few of the Indians were killed or wounded before they withdrew. Cornelius then moved his men to The Dalles.
Compiled by Kathy Alexander, updated December 2020.
Also See:
Indian Conflicts of Washington