The California Column

In 1862, the California Column, commanded by Colonel Carlton (picture on the left) was ordered to send over 2,000 men to the Rio Grande river, New Mexico, over 900 miles away, to drive invading Texan rebels out of the territories of Arizona and New Mexico. These men traveled by foot, from April to August, through the desert with 120-degree temperature in full wool uniforms. They traveled in groups of 400 to conserve water for the men and horses, and stayed in a series of forts spread out between here and the Rio Grande. By the time they arrived at the Rio Grande, the Confederates had already retreated, but they fought 2 small battles on their way. Picacho Pass and Apache Pass. Union scouts ran into confederates pickets at Picacho Pass. As a result of this skirmish, 3 union soldiers were killed and 2 were wounded. One confederate soldier was killed, 4 were wounded, 3 were taken prisoner and one escaped. This was the only time members of the "California Column" engaged Confederate troops, and is considered the Western most battle during the Civil War.

On July 9th, 140 men of Co. E, 1st CA infantry & Co. B. of the 2nd CA infantry left Tucson with supplies for the Rio Grande. When they reached Apache Pass they were ambushed by a strong force under Cochise. The outnumbered Californians used two mountain howitzers and survived the two day battle with 2 dead. 63 Apaches died during this battle.