Skirmish in Doubtful Canyon

The Skirmish in Doubtful Canyon took place on May 3, 1864 between a company of infantry from the California Column and a band of about 100 Apaches. The fighting occurred near Steins Peak in Doubtful Canyon, Arizona Territory. Doubtful Canyon, along with Apache Pass in Arizona and Cookes Canyon, in New Mexico was a favored location for an ambush by the Apache along the Southern Immigrant Trail.

The Californians were on the march from Fort Cummings to Fort Bowie in the military District of Arizona, when they were attacked in the canyon. The band of Apaches were defeated by fifty-four men of Company I, 5th California Volunteer Infantry Regiment under Lieutenant Henry H. Stevens. The skirmish lasted about an hour, until the Apache fled. The Apache lost 10 killed, 20 wounded. The Californians lost one missing, five wounded according to official records. Michno claims the battle lasted almost 2 hours and that the Californians suffered 6 wounded, (1 mortally), 1 missing presumed killed.