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NEWS RELEASE Feb. 23, 2024 

History of Fort Klamath and the Snake War 

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. – The history of a violent local conflict that preceded the Modoc War will be the topic of a presentation at the Klamath County Museum at noon Friday, March 1.

Admission will be free as part of the museum’s Free First Friday program. Admission fees will be waived and hours will be extended on Friday, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Prior to the Modoc War of 1872-1873, the region was engulfed in another bloody struggle. The Snake War began in 1864 when the United States military embarked on a four-year campaign against the Northern Paiute people of eastern Oregon. 

The program will be presented by Matthew Voelkel, curator of the Klamath County Museum. 

“The Snake War eventually spread across four states and cost thousands of lives,” Voelkel said. “Sadly, the conflict has been largely forgotten since that time.” 

Troops Fort Klamath played a critical role in the conflict, and they participated in many of the fights that occurred in this area. 

“It marked a major turning point in the history of what became Klamath County,” said Voelkel, “and we hope to do more in the future to give this part of our story the attention it deserves.” 

For more information contact the museum at (541) 882-1000.