I grew up in Klamath County in the 70’s-80’s and I’m 58 now and settled in San Antonio, TX after retiring from the Army. When I was 13 we lived near Chiloquin, OR and I went to the Chiloquin Middle School where I was one of a small amount of white kids and the Klamath Indians are pretty rough to say the least. They all have long hair and rarely smile, later on I became friends with a kid in the Yazee family (I think I misspelled that name) and I met his large family and he was a great friend. I went to church with a few Modoc families and those people are the polar opposite of the Klamath Indians, they’re warm, loving, generous and have a great sense of humor, our conversations always had lots of laughter in them. During my time in two wars (as an Infantryman) I received letters from my Modoc friends which I still have and cherish. A funny part about the Modoc war at the lava beds is that all of a sudden they decided to leave the natural fortress one night and no one noticed them leave with their livestock, horses, women and kids. It’s amazing how a band of Indians held off an entire Infantry battalion for so long and had such little loss.
I have a friend down in Southern Oregon who is a direct descendant of ScarFace Charlie. He's about 6' 10" tall and looks just like his Modoc ancestor. He's friendly but also he's also the kind of guy that you wouldn't want to cross...🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄
Excellent series, truly. My interest in Native America began when I was 12. I am now 60. I started researching the Modoc War at the Olin library on the campus of Washington University in St. Louis, MO. The names of the modocs soon caught my attention--they were so odd. This story is stranger than fiction and your presentation, your delivery, is wonderful: Like Ken Burns with a sense of humor. Keep it up.
Fifty years ago, I spent most of a week climbing thru the caves, tunnels, and the fortifications of Captain Jack and the Modocs as well as the Army, at Tule Lake. Great Park. The Native fortifications look like the Modoc's left a month ago. The Army fortifications look like they are over 100 years old. Great Park!
Travis, my husband and I listened to you speak at the Klamath County Museum today. We didn't get a chance to tell you great job, thank you for getting the story out, and thank you for your service.
I've become firmly rooted to my hill in southern England and can't imagine I will ever make it to Northern California or Oregan. So thank you from me for not only relaying a tale with nuance and context, but also for taking us to the lava beds. Like so much imperial/colonial history we tend to over simply conflicts and are too quick to bestow virtue on one side or another, only through your style of historical teachings can truth be found. Good job
My great grandparents lived on Quapaw Agency lands in what is now Oklahoma and was home to 8 tribes including the Modoc in what is now Ottawa and Delaware counties. The tribes lost federal recognition for a while after the allotment period but all 9 regained recognition under an act of congress (along with tribes from other parts of OK) and the Modoc Nation is still there as you mention.
I grew up 1/2 mile from the Modoc cemetery in NE Oklahoma though I never knew their story, aside from that they were originally from California, as there are so many tribes crammed into NE Oklahoma that a young boy would never get anything else done if he tried to learn the full histories of each. I personally know members of Wyandotte, Peoria, Osage, Eastern Shawnee, Quapaw, and Cherokee tribes, off the top of my head, but don't know if I ever met any of the Modoc, which made them all the more mysterious to me. For a long time I thought maybe they were all gone, but never knew or saw who maintained the property. After returning to the area as a young adult, which I do on occasion just to see what has changed, I happened to see a couple dozen of the Modoc gathered together there, for what I couldn't tell and didn't pry, and was very happy to finally have several lingering questions from my childhood answered. It was a very thought-provoking place for me and the Modoc will always hold a special place in my heart.
I appreciate the time you took and the excellent research you did for an outstanding presentation of American History. You also provided perspectives of the Modoc culture and the American culture. I thoroughly enjoyed it all and thank you for sharing history.
My dad was always game for some old west documentaries or books. Grew up on the stuff. I keep thinking I'd have ended up in some good conversations with him if you were doing this when he was alive. Your videos are awesome. Thanks.
Good story, well told.... Enjoyed it greatly as someone who lives in that area. I'm just west of the Winema N'tl forest in the Bear creek valley. 1/2 mile from Fort Lane and the Table Rocks. I would offer you the subject of the Rogue Indian Wars and the battle of Hungry hill/Bloody hill. Love the stories and look forward to the next ~Pete 🤠
@Mitchell Maytorena yeah man, we went to high school together. Lol, I learned this recently because I work for an Irrigation District. The District I work for operates a dam that is essentially the mouth of the Lost River.
I live 150 yd from the lost river It winds around my property the reason is causing the lost river is because it starts out of the ground and ends in the ground Only a few miles apart But it winds around The Valley like a lost man
@@TheHappyGardener That’s interesting! I’ve lived here y whole life and never knew. I heard the same thing on another comment on this video. Thanks for sharing.
Good presentation, enjoyed it very much. Do you have any information on an Indian massacre at Natural Bridge in Trinity County? When i was a kid in the 60's my family had some mining claims on Hayfork creek, on the way to the land, stopped by a curious geological formation, it was a large natural bridge, aptly named, I think it was in Bridge gulch. I haven't thought about that in years, it's funny what comes to mind periodically.
There was a lot to that war, and I have a lot of thoughts on it. Right now though I am wondering why they got into trouble for charging rent, having the women cook food, and for borrowing the horses. The government let's everyone who has property rent, they have a bunch of people cooking a shit load of frozen and other prepackaged food, and the horses needed exercise and felt good helping.
was looking forward to this, sadly after hearing his interpretation of the "Ben Wright Massacre," I can't really view this guy as someone who is trying to present an honest account of what took place. He is only presenting one side of this, the Modoc account. A historian needs to include both sides to an event. I don't think he even informed his audience the fact that Ben Wright saved 50 or 60 people from a really horrific death when he intercepted a large Modoc war party intent on murdering and mutilating women and children, just as they had done a few weeks prior.
To me, this story is an example of all the issues with American policy for the first people in America. I don't feel bad that Europeans came and overtook the land. This story of the better-warring people taking land and making it theirs is a global multicultural one. It's the story of the first people before Europeans as well. The issue I have is they should have simply told first people nations, you're no longer sovereign and you have the opportunities to live under our laws and own properties under our laws, and observe their cultures under our laws. Would it have caused more resistance? Yes, initially but in the end would have transformed into a more domestic instead of military issue.
I read that there were two people that killed Ben Wright, and they ate his heart. I am wonder if you have heard about Chetco Jenny or Chetco Jane who was an accomplice with the Shoshone that you spoke of. I think his name was Able? Also the death of :Lassen is a pretty interesting story as well as his life. Any thoughts on either of those?? en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Lassen
One of the best summations of the Modoc War I’ve yet heard. Thank you so much for your efforts in telling this story.
I grew up in Klamath County in the 70’s-80’s and I’m 58 now and settled in San Antonio, TX after retiring from the Army. When I was 13 we lived near Chiloquin, OR and I went to the Chiloquin Middle School where I was one of a small amount of white kids and the Klamath Indians are pretty rough to say the least. They all have long hair and rarely smile, later on I became friends with a kid in the Yazee family (I think I misspelled that name) and I met his large family and he was a great friend. I went to church with a few Modoc families and those people are the polar opposite of the Klamath Indians, they’re warm, loving, generous and have a great sense of humor, our conversations always had lots of laughter in them. During my time in two wars (as an Infantryman) I received letters from my Modoc friends which I still have and cherish.
A funny part about the Modoc war at the lava beds is that all of a sudden they decided to leave the natural fortress one night and no one noticed them leave with their livestock, horses, women and kids. It’s amazing how a band of Indians held off an entire Infantry battalion for so long and had such little loss.
I grew up there the same time.
I have a friend down in Southern Oregon who is a direct descendant of ScarFace Charlie. He's about 6' 10" tall and looks just like his Modoc ancestor. He's friendly but also he's also the kind of guy that you wouldn't want to cross...🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄🎄
Excellent series, truly. My interest in Native America began when I was 12. I am now 60. I started researching the Modoc War at the Olin library on the campus of Washington University in
St. Louis, MO. The names of the modocs soon caught my attention--they were so odd. This story is stranger than fiction and your presentation, your delivery, is wonderful: Like Ken Burns with a sense of humor. Keep it up.
Fifty years ago, I spent most of a week climbing thru the caves, tunnels, and the fortifications of Captain Jack and the Modocs as well as the Army, at Tule Lake. Great Park.
The Native fortifications look like the Modoc's left a month ago. The Army fortifications look like they are over 100 years old. Great Park!
Travis, my husband and I listened to you speak at the Klamath County Museum today. We didn't get a chance to tell you great job, thank you for getting the story out, and thank you for your service.
Awesome- thanks for attending! I hope you had a blast; I certainly did!
I've become firmly rooted to my hill in southern England and can't imagine I will ever make it to Northern California or Oregan. So thank you from me for not only relaying a tale with nuance and context, but also for taking us to the lava beds. Like so much imperial/colonial history we tend to over simply conflicts and are too quick to bestow virtue on one side or another, only through your style of historical teachings can truth be found. Good job
This was so well done - Awesome story beautifully narrated. I am so glad to have found this channel.
Just wanted to say thank you for the effort you put in to telling this story. I used it for research and it really helped.
Glad it came in handy. Email me if you have any other ??s
@@TheStoryOutWest I turned this violent saga into a screenplay. Hopefully it gets produced.
My great grandparents lived on Quapaw Agency lands in what is now Oklahoma and was home to 8 tribes including the Modoc in what is now Ottawa and Delaware counties. The tribes lost federal recognition for a while after the allotment period but all 9 regained recognition under an act of congress (along with tribes from other parts of OK) and the Modoc Nation is still there as you mention.
Can’t wait to show my brother this when he gets out of prison
Bruh lol
You deserve more subs love American history it's bloody and has everyone involved, much support from England mate
I grew up 1/2 mile from the Modoc cemetery in NE Oklahoma though I never knew their story, aside from that they were originally from California, as there are so many tribes crammed into NE Oklahoma that a young boy would never get anything else done if he tried to learn the full histories of each. I personally know members of Wyandotte, Peoria, Osage, Eastern Shawnee, Quapaw, and Cherokee tribes, off the top of my head, but don't know if I ever met any of the Modoc, which made them all the more mysterious to me. For a long time I thought maybe they were all gone, but never knew or saw who maintained the property. After returning to the area as a young adult, which I do on occasion just to see what has changed, I happened to see a couple dozen of the Modoc gathered together there, for what I couldn't tell and didn't pry, and was very happy to finally have several lingering questions from my childhood answered. It was a very thought-provoking place for me and the Modoc will always hold a special place in my heart.
I appreciate the time you took and the excellent research you did for an outstanding presentation of American History. You also provided perspectives of the Modoc culture and the American culture. I thoroughly enjoyed it all and thank you for sharing history.
Well told story
Very good presentation, unbiased and factual
My dad was always game for some old west documentaries or books. Grew up on the stuff. I keep thinking I'd have ended up in some good conversations with him if you were doing this when he was alive. Your videos are awesome. Thanks.
ONE OF THE BEST PROGRAMS ON THE MODOC WAR I HAVE HEARD OR READ YET. GOOD JOB! PARSON,YREKA CA
Your videos are well researched and the historic photos and documents are informative.
Wonderful documentary, well done Sir. Thank you.
As someone who grew up right in this area, it makes this documentary extra cool
Great narration and an interesting story that I had never heard. Thanks!
I grew up, in Yreka, the angst between the Klamath & Modoc tribes was common knowledge…………..sad.
I discovered your channel from Klamath county Museum. I’m glad I did. Your content is wonderful. I can’t wait for the event this weekend!
Awesome! Thank you!
New subscriber...enjoy your content and delivery. Really like the length of this one...Go Oregon:)
Thank you for the documentary
Good story, well told.... Enjoyed it greatly as someone who lives in that area. I'm just west of the Winema N'tl forest in the Bear creek valley. 1/2 mile from Fort Lane and the Table Rocks. I would offer you the subject of the Rogue Indian Wars and the battle of Hungry hill/Bloody hill. Love the stories and look forward to the next ~Pete 🤠
Sounds great!
Thank you for shedding light to American history.
This was a great educational video. Thanks! You deserved a sub!
Well done, thank you!
The Lost River's "weird name" came because there was a 10 to 15 mile stretch where the river would actually go underground.
I lived here for 33 years and never knew that.
@Mitchell Maytorena yeah man, we went to high school together. Lol, I learned this recently because I work for an Irrigation District. The District I work for operates a dam that is essentially the mouth of the Lost River.
Thank you for a great explanation
This is great, thanks for doing this. 👍
I live 150 yd from the lost river It winds around my property the reason is causing the lost river is because it starts out of the ground and ends in the ground Only a few miles apart But it winds around The Valley like a lost man
Where does it go underground?
@@mitchellmaytorena1137 I was told that if it wasn't for the irrigation use that it drains into lava tubes around tule lake
@@TheHappyGardener That’s interesting! I’ve lived here y whole life and never knew. I heard the same thing on another comment on this video. Thanks for sharing.
Well done.
Good presentation, enjoyed it very much. Do you have any information on an Indian massacre at Natural Bridge in Trinity County? When i was a kid in the 60's my family had some mining claims on Hayfork creek, on the way to the land, stopped by a curious geological formation, it was a large natural bridge, aptly named, I think it was in Bridge gulch. I haven't thought about that in years, it's funny what comes to mind periodically.
I learned I’m native now Micmac
There was a lot to that war, and I have a lot of thoughts on it. Right now though I am wondering why they got into trouble for charging rent, having the women cook food, and for borrowing the horses. The government let's everyone who has property rent, they have a bunch of people cooking a shit load of frozen and other prepackaged food, and the horses needed exercise and felt good helping.
was looking forward to this, sadly after hearing his interpretation of the "Ben Wright Massacre," I can't really view this guy as someone who is trying to present an honest account of what took place. He is only presenting one side of this, the Modoc account. A historian needs to include both sides to an event. I don't think he even informed his audience the fact that Ben Wright saved 50 or 60 people from a really horrific death when he intercepted a large Modoc war party intent on murdering and mutilating women and children, just as they had done a few weeks prior.
Hat Creek Modoc's. Not Hot Creek.
0:02 There is no Oregon/California border. There is only a state line.
To me, this story is an example of all the issues with American policy for the first people in America. I don't feel bad that Europeans came and overtook the land. This story of the better-warring people taking land and making it theirs is a global multicultural one. It's the story of the first people before Europeans as well. The issue I have is they should have simply told first people nations, you're no longer sovereign and you have the opportunities to live under our laws and own properties under our laws, and observe their cultures under our laws. Would it have caused more resistance? Yes, initially but in the end would have transformed into a more domestic instead of military issue.
No, it wouldn't. How would you like Russia to do this to us today?? You'd fight.
Loved your channel, and you are a great narrator, but too many commercials so un-subbing and probably blocking. :(
I read that there were two people that killed Ben Wright, and they ate his heart. I am wonder if you have heard about Chetco Jenny or Chetco Jane who was an accomplice with the Shoshone that you spoke of. I think his name was Able? Also the death of :Lassen is a pretty interesting story as well as his life. Any thoughts on either of those?? en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peter_Lassen