Battle of Mud Lake

The Battle of Mud Lake occurred during the Snake War in northwest Nevada Territory during the closing months of the concurrent American Civil War.

A small detachment from the 1st Nevada Volunteer Cavalry Battalion under Captain Almond D. Wells rode out towards Pyramid Lake in response to cattle theft in the area. There the troopers were informed by Chief Winnemucca that a band of Smoke Creek Piautes were the likely thieves. Wells took half his command toward Mud Lake (now Winnemucca Lake) where the camp was located. Wells intended to arrest the thieves but the Paiutes began firing once the cavalry approached. Wells surrounded the camp and the Natives attempted to cut their way out. 29 were killed while only one was reported to have escaped. Several of the troopers were wounded in the fight. Chief Winnemucca expressed he was pleased with Wells' victory believing it would teach the thieving bands a lesson.