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. He and the rest of his troops continued to the Columbia River, downriver to old Fort Walla Walla, and up the Yakima River.
On April 10, 1856, he finally encountered a large group of Yakama Indians at Satus Creek. 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/Legends of America, updated April 2024.
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