The Battle of Palo Duro Canyon

September 28, 1874 One of the most significant battles of 1874-75 Indian campaign; columns of troops converging from five directions harassed Indians on the Panhandle Plains for over six months. The 4th Cavalry under Colonel Ranald S. Mackenzie, moving north from Fort Concho, tracked a large band of Indians to their secret canyon camp. Moving silently at dawn down a perilous path on the south rim, the first troops reached the floor of the canyon before the aroused camp fled. Some of the warriors took up positions on the canyon walls from which they fired on the troops, seeking to give their families time to escape. Realizing his tactical disadvantage, Mackenzie ordered the Indian camp and supplies burned and withdrew, taking along 1,400 captured horses (1,000 of which he later destroyed). The cavalry suffered no causalities in the fight and only four Indian dead were counted. Having lost half their horses as well as all their supplies and shelter, the Indians drifted back to their reservations at Fort Sill and Fort Reno. (1967)

The Battle of Palo Duro Canyon is a historical marker in Canyon, Randall County, dedicated in 1967. It is one of 38 historical markers documented in Randall County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 49 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 34.9315, -101.6353 near Canyon. The nearest cataloged historic site is The Civilian Conservation Corps at Palo Duro Canyon State Park (historical marker), about 4.6 miles away. Others within a short drive include JA Ranch, The Old, Rustler's Graveyard, and St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5381005290. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.