Palo Duro Gunfight

[Scott]

I've been trying to track down the exact spot at which the Col Mackenzie attacked the Comanches that were hiding out in Palo Duro Canyon and then killed 1400 of their horses.

I've been told that it is in the popular part of the canyon while others seem to think that it was in the southern part of the canyon that now is under a lake.

 

Any input from the experts?

[Scott]

I would have thought that would draw the irie of at least one person in the know. Guess not.

[Buck Grizzly]

Well according to the military they approached from the south placed themselves along the south rim (since they came from the south) and hoped to catch them off guard but the camps were spread out all over the canyon floor. Which made the situation difficult to control. When the shooting started (stray shot) many of the Indians scattered out of the canyon on to the plains, I assume to the northeast (???). Other accounts say the troopers were stationed on all four sides. Would have been more difficult for many too get out that way. Most of the horses were left behind and killed to keep them from getting them back and using them on the army. They were slaughtered to the south of the canyon. Best I can do for ya. Hope that helps.

[Scott]

I appreciate the information Buck.

[C. F. 'Charley' Eckhardt]

Among the Comanches MacKinzie was called Eagle Chief Broken Hand, because he was missing a couple of fingers on one hand.  After the Palo Duro fight they added 'Pony Killer' to that.

 

Incidentally, his mother was a Slidell from Lousiana & his middle name was Slidell.  His uncle was the 'Slidell' of the 'Mason-Slidell incident' that nearly brought Britain into the war on the side of the Confederacy when the US Navy stopped a British ship carrying the two Confederate diplomats and kidnapped them.  Slidell, Louisiana is named for his mother's family.

[Roberto Caligaris]

Another "Pony Killer" was General Custer, who killed 800 ponies at the end of the Washita Battle....but this is another story!

[Stan H]

The killing of the Indian horses was not an uncommon action. It happened to most of the more warlike nations, including the Navajo. Carson's men killed every Navajo horse they came across in addition to sheep and other livestock while sweeping through Canyon de Chelly.

 

Even back in the days of the Mountian men, it was common. One group, led I believe by Tom Fitzpatrick attacked a band of Blackfeet, killing over 200 horses.

 

Destroying the horses was the most sure means to stop attacks from the hostile tribes.

[MIKE Berger]

In 1999 I took a trip back to my roots and when cruising around Palo Duro I encountered a roadside placard that explained the battle that took place there. Regretfully, I can't remember exactly where it was, but it definitely was  not under water.