In 1873, Lava Beds National Monument in northern California was the site of the Modoc War, an armed conflict between members of the Modoc Tribe and the U.S. Army. The Modoc people wanted to live in their home territory, but troops tried to forcibly relocate them to a reservation. You can learn more about the Modoc people and the history of northern California on Aerial America: Northern California. Tune in tonight at 10PM. http://bit.ly/2z9pMee | Smithsonian Channel

On this day in 1872, Major John Green sent troops to the border of northern California and southern Oregon, the homeland of the Modoc people, to move them to a reservation “by force if necessary.” Fighting broke out almost immediately. It was the start of the 8-month Modoc war. To learn more, watch this clip from Aerial America: Northern California. https://bit.ly/3a2lCVZ | Smithsonian Channel