Lewis & Clark High School (Spokane, Wash.)

On September 5, 1858, U.S. Army soldiers under Colonel George Wright (1803-1865) defeated Native Americans at the Battle of Spokane Plains. The engagement followed a skirmish four days before with members of the Spokane, Palouse, Yakama, and Coeur d'Alene tribes at Four Lakes. The battle began during a march from Four Lakes by the soldiers. The Indians set fire to prairie grass to stampede the pack train and to conceal their attack. Wright ordered a counterattack with combined arms and drove off the Indians. After more skirmishes throughout the day, troops made their camp on the Spokane River at what would become Fort George Wright.

From the description of Battle of Spokane Plains petition, n.d. (Spokane Public Library). WorldCat record id: 742640486