AI-17

This area contained one of the most diverse populations of Indians in the US but they were treated with total disrespect by many trappers, settlers, and the government. A government agent once issued word to settlers to "Use your pleasure in spilling blood." (Sullivan, p. 147) So it is not surprising that in the1850's began what white historians referred to as the "Indian Wars." This started with the violence against the Takelmas ("those who live along the river") in and around Jacksonville. Joe Lane negotiated a settlement on top of Little Table Rock, giving the Takelmas a reservation there but taking away their guns, a means of livelihood. Twenty percent of the tribe starved to death that first winter. Only two years later the 614 Takelmas had to flee the reservation and were forced by the government to march 260 miles north to the Grande Ronde reservation. Many didn't survive the march. Their reservation was abolished. The second stage of the "Indian Wars" began in 1856 with the Tututnis of the coastal area. Furious over the government's betrayal of the Takelmas and the settlers' violence, they attacked Gold Beach, killing 23 people, mostly soldiers. Captain Smith and the Tututnis (and some Takelmas who had not gone to the reservation) finally signed a treaty. The Indians, seeing no other options, signed. They were forced to go to the Siletz reservation on the north coast. On the day of surrender at Big Bend, on the Rogue, Tyee John, who had refused to sign the treaty, led a group, which killed and trapped a number of soldiers. However, with the arrival of additional soldiers US troops defeated them. Within a month 1400 Indians were taken, to the reservation. Many were transported by steamship but over 200 had to walk the 150 miles north. By 1857 the native population of southern Oregon was nearly wiped out. The site at Big Bend was the bloodiest battle ever fought in Oregon. There is little to indicate that it happened here.

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