Gen. Nelson Miles Expedition (Headquarters Dugout)
Canadian, Hemphill County, Texas
Marker Inscription
Indian raids brought General Miles' men to Texas in 1874 as part of U.S. Army pincer's tactic operating from a dugout post. The twelve infantry and cavalry units had supply camps on the Canadian, Red and Washita rivers. On November 8, 1874, Gen. Miles' troops recovered two captive sisters, Addie and Julia German. Two older sisters, Catherine and Sophia German, were freed February 28, 1875. Eight Indian battles were fought during that winter. At this post, General Miles nominated several of his men for the Congressional Medal of Honor, among them renowned Panhandle settler Billy Dixon. In 1875, Fort Elliott opened at Old Mobeetie to continue frontier protection. (1967)
Erected by Texas Historical Commission
The Story
In the winter of 1874–75, the U.S. Army swept the Texas Panhandle in the campaign now known as the Red River War, and General Nelson Miles ran part of it from a dugout post near here. His columns fought eight engagements that season and, in November 1874, recovered two of the captive German sisters, Addie and Julia, with their older sisters freed the following February. From this rough headquarters Miles nominated soldiers for the Medal of Honor, among them the celebrated scout Billy Dixon, before Fort Elliott rose in 1875 to carry on the work.
Why it matters
This dugout post marks a turning point in the Red River War, the campaign that broke the Southern Plains tribes' hold on the Panhandle and opened the region to Anglo settlement.
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Related people
- · Nelson Miles
- · Billy Dixon
- · Addie German
- · Julia German
Related events
- · Red River War
Themes & tags
Nearby & related markers
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