Fun Resources

The Modoc War: A Homeland Lost-  This is a 60 mile driving tour with a 120 minute audio program. Join Modoc descendent Cheewa James on a riveting and epic driving journey through the historic sites of the Modoc War, starting from Klamath Falls, Oregon to the Lava Beds National Monument in California. Along the way you’ll discover the roots of the Modoc War, hear Modoc and settler stories, and learn what life was like during this turbulent episode in American history. You’ll also pass through the charming communities of Merrill and Malin, and explore several archeological wonders, including Petroglyph Point, Captain Jack’s Stronghold and the impressive Lava Beds National Monument.

 Travel Guide

         This is probably one of the best resources we have found for individuals seeking to understand the cultural significance of two sacred Native American sites: Crater Lake National Park and The Lava Beds National Monument.

In the Footprints of Gmukamps- A Traditional Use Study of Crater Lake National Park and Lava Beds National Monument-  Published by the National Parks this unique books discusses these two important sites from a cultural perspective. Learn about the sacred nature of Crater Lake to the Modoc and Klamath people. Read about the histtory of the Modoc war and gain an appreciation for how these sites are interconnected. Read the book and then travel to the sites with a new appreciation of local history. It is a larger file and will need to be downloaded, but can be read on any device with a PDF reader (304 pages) Additional link to online source.

Historic Sites & Travel

Lava Beds National Monument, Tulelake, California-  Lava Beds National Monument is a land of turmoil, both geological and historical. Over the last half-million years, volcanic eruptions on the Medicine Lake shield volcano have created a rugged landscape dotted with diverse volcanic features. More than 800 caves, Native American rock art sites, historic battlefields and campsites. Come learn about Captain Jack and the Modoc war and walk the stronghold where he and his warriors held off U.S. forces for nearly a year!

Klamath County Museums, Klamath Falls Oregon-  There are three public museums which are owned and operated by Klamath County. Funded by county taxes these include the Klamath County Museum at 1451 Main Street, The Baldwin Hotel at 31 Main Street and the Fort Klamath Museum. Check out their website to see hours of operations, special collections and upcoming events.

Fort Klamath (Trip Advisor)-  Check out the reviews and plan a trip to visit the spot of historic Fort Klamath. Learn about the history of the Modoc War and see the graves of Captain Jack and 3 of his warriors who were executed at the fort. 

Crater Lake-  Crater Lake National Park stands at or near the territorial boundaries of four Native peoples. To the east and southeast lay the lands of the Klamath, to the southwest the lands of the Takelma, to the west the lands of the Upper Umpqua, and to the northwest the lands of the Molala. Many Klamath still viewed Crater Lake as a place that should be visited only by shamans, chiefs, and others powerful enough to withstand the challenges of the mountain. 

    The Klamath Indians’ long-standing relationship with Tum-sum-ne—“Mountain with the Top Cut Off”—is illustrated by their collective memory of the eruption of Mount Mazama more than 7,000 years ago. The Klamath people’s oral traditions describe “red-hot rocks as large as the hills” hurtling through the sky, oceans of flame devouring forests, the collapse of Mount Mazama, and the gradual filling of the resulting caldera with rain water to form Crater Lake.

    It is popularly held that the Klamath avoided Crater Lake. While they did not avoid the mountain, they did consider it to be a particularly potent place to which only those physically, mentally, and spiritually prepared should venture. In the words of one Klamath: “It was powerful—too powerful for ordinary people.” In addition to hunting and gathering in the area, the Klamath and other Native peoples from around the region sought visions at Crater Lake. It was a sacred landscape, a portal between the world of humans and the world of spirits.

Tamástslikt Cultural Institute, Pendleton, Oregon-  Focusing on the Cayuse, Umatilla and Walla Walla Tribes the Tamástslikt Cultural Institute tells the history of these Native American cultures before the arrival of European settlers. This 45,000 square facility contains exhibits featuring native art, handicrafts and even includes a cafe with a Native-inspired lunch menu. An excellent resource to learn about the past, present and future of the indigenous peoples of Oregon.

The Museum at Warm Springs, Warm Springs, Oregon-  This museum opened in 1993 to focus on preserving the artifacts, history and heritage of the Wasco, Warm Springs and Paiute tribes. With a rotating collection, visitors can experience the sounds of ancient songs and languages anew with each visit. 

Recipes

Yummy Crepes - Shared by Melody Rhoades.

Image Collections

Stereographs of the Modoc War- In 1873 Eadweard Muybridge published stereoscope images of the Modoc War. These 21 images are composed of two shots that when viewed through a sterscope vier makes the image 3D. These contain photographs of the lava fields, army encampments around Tule Lake and Modoc warriors. The originals are housed at the California Historical Society but you can view the images online.

Huntington Library Modoc Photographs- Many of these photographs are lantern slides which could be projected and several have been colorized. These priceless photographs contain portraits of Modoc leaders, photographs of the Lava Beds and are an excellent resource for anyone interested in Modoc history. 

Edward S. Curtis Collection (Images of the Klamath) - This collection is located in the Library of Congress collections. In 1923 photographer Edwards S. Curtis did a cultural study of the Klamath tribes. These images of native clothing, housing and cultural practices. 

The Public Domain Review (Portraits of Imprisoned Modoc Wariors 1873) - The photographs featured are of captured Modoc warriors and were taken by Louis Herman Heller (1839-1929). Heller, a German-born qualified pharmacist and photographer who is believed to have emigrated to the United States in 1855, was the first photographer on the scene. Heller's photographs were published in Harper's Weekly in June 1873 as engravings based on his photographs, giving the general public a view of the war.