The Battle of Rattlesnake Springs took place on 6 Aug 1880 between the Apache war chief Victorio and elements of the 24th Infantry Regiment and the 10th Cavalry Regiment.
Victorio was raising sand in the region by conducting cross border raids into Texas and New Mexico from his base of operation in Mexico. He would cross the border, do his thing, and then dissappear into Mexico before he could be apprehended. The Army was trying to track him down and was stationing troops at points which they knew he had to eventually appear.
During this episode, which took place over the space of a few days the Buffalo Soldiers determined that Victorio was going to head to Rattlesnake Springs. They rode over 65 miles in less than 24 hours on a parallel course and got to the place ahead of him. They then set up an elaborate ambush and engaged his forces when they arrived hours later. This battle was instrumental in causing Victorio to cease his raids into the area for good. He obviously didn’t want any part of that business. Sometimes events like this become lost to time. This is why commemorative rings, statues, and memorials are important.
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