Captain Jack
Captain Jack, originally named Kintpuash, was a prominent Modoc leader born near the California-Oregon border. Following the death of his father at the hands of white settlers, he became chief and initially promoted peaceful relations and trade with them. However, the situation for the Modoc people deteriorated after their forced relocation to the Klamath reservation in Oregon, where they faced scarcity and conflict with the Klamath tribe. In response to these conditions, Kintpuash led his people back to California in 1865.
In the context of rising tensions, he played a central role in the Modoc War, which began in 1872 when U.S. troops attempted to return the Modoc to Oregon. Captain Jack and his followers found refuge in a lava bed sanctuary, while another group, led by Hooker Jim, resorted to violence against settlers. Despite efforts at peace negotiations, mistrust grew, leading to the assassination of General Edward Canby by Captain Jack's warriors in April 1873. Ultimately, Captain Jack surrendered in June 1873, was tried without proper defense, and executed in October of the same year. His remains were later misappropriated by a carnival, reflecting the tragic fate that befell both him and his people during this tumultuous period in American history.
Subject Terms
Captain Jack
- Born: c. 1840
- Birthplace: Lost River, Northern California
- Died: October 3, 1873
- Place of death: Fort Klamath, Oregon
Tribal affiliation: Modoc
Significance: Chief and leader of the Modoc War of 1872-1873, Captain Jack engaged in a lifelong struggle to preserve Modoc independence
Born near the California-Oregon border, Kintpuash (nicknamed Captain Jack by whites) became a Modoc chief when his father was killed by whites. Believing in peace, he encouraged trade with the white settlers. In 1864, however, Schonchin Jim surrendered Modoc lands and moved the Modoc to the Klamath reservation in Oregon. The Modoc were denied food and supplies, and disputes developed with the more favorably treated Klamath Indians. In 1865, denied permission for a separate Modoc reservation, Kintpuash led his people back to California. In November, 1872, troops ordered to return the Modoc to Oregon were engaged in a skirmish. Captain Jack led the main group to a natural rock sanctuary in the lava beds near Tule Lake. Hooker Jim led a separate group which took revenge by killing white settlers. Seeking refuge, Hooker Jim joined Captain Jack.
During January, 1873, soldiers tried unsuccessfully to dislodge the Modocs. General Edward Canby was then ordered to end the uprising. He convened peace talks which included Kintpuash’s cousin, Winema. While the talks proceeded, Canby surrounded the Modoc with a thousand soldiers. On February 28, Kintpuash requested a separate Modoc reservation and amnesty for Hooker Jim’s band. Both requests were refused. Believing that Canby was stalling for time, Hooker Jim convinced the majority of warriors that they needed to kill Canby. Facing tribal pressure, Captain Jack agreed. At a meeting on April 11, Kintpuash and his warriors drew hidden pistols, killing Canby and several others.
In an act of betrayal, Hooker Jim later agreed to lead soldiers to Captain Jack in exchange for amnesty. On June 1, surrounded, Kintpuash surrendered. The resisting Modocs were tried without legal defense. Kintpuash and three of his warriors were sentenced to death and hanged on October 3. His body was stolen from its grave and displayed by an eastern carnival.