Modoc, << MOH dok, >> are a small Native American tribe closely related to the Klamath. Until the 1860’s, the Modoc lived at the California and Oregon border, mainly in the Lost River Valley and around Tule Lake. In winter, they lived in shelters that were partly underground. In warm months, they lived in wood houses covered with mats made from tall marsh plants called tules. They also used tules to make rafts, baskets, and shoes. The Modoc fished, hunted, and gathered wild vegetables for food. Modoc leaders came from wealthy families, but the tribe made political decisions at assemblies where everyone was permitted to speak.
In 1864, the United States government relocated the Modoc tribe to the Klamath Reservation in Oregon. Kintpuash, a Modoc leader also known as Captain Jack, could not tolerate the reservation and returned home with part of the tribe. In 1872, the United States Army tried to force them to return to the reservation. The tribe fled to an area near Tule Lake. From there, about 60 Modoc warriors fought off more than 1,000 soldiers for five months. The Army eventually defeated the Modoc, executed their leaders, and exiled most of the tribe to Oklahoma.
Today, about 500 Modoc live in the United States. The site of the Modoc war with the Army is now Lava Beds National Monument in California.
See also Captain Jack.
