Battle of Hembrillo Basin | |||||||
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Part of the Apache Wars, Victorio's War | |||||||
A map of the engagement in Hembrillo Basin. Note that N is to the left on this map. | |||||||
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Belligerents | |||||||
United States | Apache | ||||||
Commanders and leaders | |||||||
Henry Carroll | Victorio | ||||||
Strength | |||||||
c. 220 cavalry, 150 Indian scouts | ~150 warriors | ||||||
Casualties and losses | |||||||
2 killed 5 wounded | Perhaps 3 dead |
32°55′26″N 106°38′42″W / 32.924°N 106.645°W The Battle of Hembrillo Basin was fought April 5–8, 1880 between the United States Army against a combined band of Chiricahua and Mescalero Apaches led by Chief Victorio.[1][2][3] Hembrillo Basin was the largest battle of Victorio's War, although casualties were light on both sides. Victorio held off an attack by superior numbers of army soldiers and Indian scouts, evacuated his women and children from the battlefield, and withdrew successfully. Hembrillo Basin is located on the White Sands Missile Range and access by the public is strictly regulated.
Forced out of one of his strongholds, Victorio engaged in a running battle with thousands of American and Mexico troops which would end with his defeat and death by the Mexican army a few months later.[4]