Captain Jack's Stronghold
Captain Jack's Stronghold, Archaeological site in Lava Beds National Monument, California.
Description
Captain Jack's Stronghold is an archaeological site in Lava Beds National Monument, California, where natural volcanic lava and rock formations contain numerous caves, trenches, and defensive positions. The landscape is broken and rocky, offering many hidden areas throughout the terrain.
History
The site became the center of the Modoc War in 1872-1873, when Captain Jack and roughly 50 Modoc warriors fought against hundreds of U.S. Army soldiers. The conflict arose from tensions over the removal of the Modoc people to a reservation.
Culture
The stronghold represents how the Modoc people fought to remain on their ancestral homelands. Visitors can see the physical evidence of their resolve to resist displacement.
Practical
Visitors can walk through the site by navigating between rock formations and cave openings, though the uneven ground requires sturdy footwear. The paths are not always marked, so it helps to learn about routes beforehand.
Did you know?
The natural lava tubes and rock crevices were cleverly used by Modoc warriors to move between positions without being seen by the besieging soldiers. These hidden passages gave the smaller group a tactical advantage against a much larger force.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (California).
Lava Beds National Monument
12 km
Medicine Lake Volcano
27.8 km
Modoc National Forest
47.3 km
Lower Klamath National Wildlife Refuge
21.3 km
Link River Dam
52 km
Tule Lake National Wildlife Refuge
7.4 km
OC&E Woods Line State Trail
47.6 km
Clear Lake National Wildlife Refuge
32.9 km
Lake Ewauna
49.1 km
Petroglyph Point Archaeological Site
9.8 km
Bear Valley National Wildlife Refuge
41.5 km
Schonchin Butte
9.5 km
Klamath Basin National Wildlife Refuge Complex
14.8 km
Gerber Reservoir
53.6 km
Canby's Cross
3.3 km
Baldwin Hotel
50.2 km
Klamath Falls City Hall
50.2 km
Blackburn Sanitarium
50.8 km
Judge Henry L. Benson House
50.4 km
Richardson–Ulrich House
50.6 km
Tule Lake National Monument
13.2 km
Schonchin Butte Lookout
9.5 km
Klamath County Museum
50.5 km
Skull Cave
10.1 km
Mushpot Cave
12 km
Hospital Rock Trail
3.2 km
Lava Beds Visitor Center
12 km
Ross Ragland Theatre
50.5 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes