The Battle of Union Gap, also known as the Battle of Twin Buttes, stands as a critical engagement within the tumultuous period of the Yakima War, a conflict that significantly shaped the history of Washington Territory. Fought fiercely on November 9 and 10, 1855, this confrontation pitted elements of the U.S. Military against the resilient Yakama Indians, marking a key moment in the escalating tensions between indigenous peoples and encroaching settlers.
Occurring just days after the preceding Battle on the White River, the events at Union Gap highlighted the desperate struggle for land and sovereignty in the Pacific Northwest. This engagement was not merely a skirmish but a strategic clash with profound implications for all involved, driving the course of the wider conflict.
The Genesis of Conflict: The Yakima War’s Roots
To fully grasp the significance of the Battle of Union Gap, one must understand the broader context of the Yakima War. The mid-19th century brought a surge of American settlers into the Oregon and Washington Territories, driven by the promise of fertile lands and, increasingly, the allure of gold. The Treaty of Walla Walla in 1855, orchestrated by Governor Isaac Stevens, sought to confine numerous Native American tribes, including the Yakama, to reservations, opening vast tracts of land for white settlement. However, the treaty was signed under duress by some, misunderstood by others, and quickly undermined by the immediate influx of miners onto traditional tribal lands even before ratification.
This rapid encroachment, coupled with broken promises and a lack of respect for indigenous rights and cultural practices, ignited widespread resistance among the Native American confederation. The murder of Andrew J. Bolon, an Indian Agent, in September 1855, acted as a catalyst, sparking punitive expeditions by the U.S. Army and territorial volunteers, thus initiating the full-scale Yakima War. The initial engagements, such as the fight on the White River, set a precedent for the intense conflicts that would follow, leading directly to the pivotal confrontation at Union Gap.
Major Rains’ Pursuit and Kamiakin’s Stand
In the aftermath of the early skirmishes of the Yakima War, Major Gabriel Rains of the U.S. Army was determined to quash Native American resistance. Leading a force of U.S. troops, Rains conducted a relentless pursuit through the Yakima Valley. His objective was clear: to engage and disperse the assembled Yakama warriors and their leadership. It was during this pursuit that Rains and his forces discovered Chief Kamiakin’s village, a significant encampment along the Yakima River near what is now Union Gap. The village consisted of approximately 300 brave warriors, alongside their families, including women and children.
Chief Kamiakin, a prominent leader of the Yakama people and a key figure in the confederation of tribes resisting American expansion, understood the gravity of the situation. His strategy often involved both defensive maneuvers and swift retreats to preserve his people. The discovery of his village presented a direct challenge, and a battle became inevitable. The terrain around Union Gap, characterized by its twin buttes, offered some natural defensive positions, which the Yakama warriors likely sought to utilize.
The Two-Day Engagement at Union Gap
The Battle of Union Gap commenced on November 9, 1855, when Major Rains’ troops initiated their attack on Kamiakin’s encampment. The fighting stretched over two grueling days. The primary objective for the Yakama warriors was not necessarily to achieve a decisive victory against the numerically superior and better-armed U.S. forces, but rather to protect their families and facilitate their escape. During the intense skirmish, a critical effort was made to move the women and children to safety. This harrowing escape involved crossing the frigid, icy waters of the Columbia River, a testament to the desperation and resilience of the Yakama people.
Despite the prolonged two-day engagement and the intensity of the fighting, remarkably, only one soldier from the U.S. side was reported killed. This relatively low casualty count for the U.S. forces suggests that the Yakama warriors, while bravely defending their ground, were likely engaged in a strategic delaying action, focusing their efforts on allowing their non-combatants to flee. The primary emphasis for Kamiakin and his warriors was on evasion and tactical retreat rather than a protracted, direct confrontation that would result in heavy losses for their already vulnerable community. Eventually, under sustained pressure, the Yakama warriors were forced to retreat from Union Gap.
Aftermath and Strategic Retreat
Following the retreat from Union Gap, Chief Kamiakin demonstrated his exceptional leadership by immediately gathering all his people. Recognizing the immediate danger and the necessity of preserving his community, he orchestrated a strategic movement. Kamiakin led his people to White Bluffs on the Columbia River, a location that offered temporary refuge and allowed for regrouping. This retreat was not a surrender but a tactical withdrawal aimed at preserving the Yakama nation’s ability to continue their resistance in the broader Yakima War.
The events at the Battle of Union Gap underscored the determination of the Yakama to defend their ancestral lands, even in the face of overwhelming military power. While the battle itself did not result in a decisive American victory in terms of enemy casualties, it did force the Yakama to abandon a significant village and relocate. For the U.S. military, it represented a step forward in their campaign to control the territory, but it also revealed the formidable challenge posed by the mobility and resilience of the Native American tribes. The Yakima War would continue for several more months, marked by further conflicts and the gradual subjugation of the tribes, ultimately leading to significant changes in land ownership and the confinement of many Native Americans to reservations.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Resistance and Resilience
The Battle of Union Gap remains a poignant reminder of the fierce resistance encountered by American expansion in the Pacific Northwest. Though a relatively brief engagement, its place in the Yakima War is undeniable, showcasing the strategic prowess of Chief Kamiakin and the unwavering spirit of the Yakama people in protecting their way of life. The battle, fought on the banks of the Yakima River, symbolizes a broader narrative of conflict, treaty disputes, and the tragic consequences of westward migration. It serves as a vital chapter in understanding the complex and often painful history of Native American-U.S. relations, a legacy that continues to resonate in the cultural and historical landscape of Washington State. The courage displayed by the Yakama warriors in allowing their families to escape under fire highlights the deep bonds within their community and their enduring fight for survival.
