Gen. Nelson Miles Expedition (Headquarters Dugout)

Indian raids brought General Miles' men to Texas in 1874 as part of U.S. Army pincer's tactic operating from a dugout post. The twelve infantry and cavalry units had supply camps on the Canadian, Red and Washita rivers. On November 8, 1874, Gen. Miles' troops recovered two captive sisters, Addie and Julia German.

Two older sisters, Catherine and Sophia German, were freed February 28, 1875. Eight Indian battles were fought during that winter. At this post, General Miles nominated several of his men for the Congressional Medal of Honor, among them renowned Panhandle settler Billy Dixon. In 1875, Fort Elliott opened at Old Mobeetie to continue frontier protection.

(1967)