Battle of Picacho Pass
Picacho Peak, Pinal County, Arizona, USA
What happened
A Union cavalry patrol of the California Column, led by Lieutenant James Barrett, met Confederate scouts of the Arizona Rangers under Sergeant Henry Holmes. A small Union patrol searching around Picacho Peak met a Confederate lookout party. Barrett had been told to wait for the main column but attacked on his own. After about 90 minutes of fighting in the brush, three Confederates surrendered and the Union patrol pulled back.
Why it matters
Barrett's attack ended any chance of a Union surprise on Tucson, about 50 miles away. The battle is remembered as one of the westernmost of the Civil War.
What came next
After the Confederates withdrew, Union forces entered Tucson without a fight, and in 1863 the Union organized Arizona Territory.
Did you know?
Every March, people reenact the battle at Picacho Peak State Park.
Timeline
- 15 Apr 1862Battle of Picacho Pass.
- 1862Union forces enter Tucson unopposed.
- 1863The Union organizes Arizona Territory.
- Mar 2007A reenactment is held at the park.