MODOC TRIBE
1895 Maps of Indian Nations

Before the advent of the white man, Modoc territory extended from southwestern Oregon into northwestern California as far east as Goose Lake.  In 1864, the Modoc entered into treaty with the United States, ceding their California lands to the Government and agreeing to reside with the Klamath on their reservation in Oregon.  However, the Modoc were held  in disregard by the Klamath and grew restless, and discontented, both with their lot and with the fact that a confirmation of the treaty was delayed from year to year.  In 1870, a group of Modoc under the leadership fo “CPTAIN Jack” (Kintpuash) left the Klamath Reservation, determined to obtain a reservation on their former lands in California.  Attempts to force them to return to the Klamath Reservation resulted in the Modoc War of 1872-73.  After resisting for months, Captain Jack surrendered, was tried by court martials at Fort Klamath and was hanged, together with three of his warriors.  The remaining rebels were exiled to the Oklahoma Indian Territory until an act of Congress restored them to the Klamath Reservation in Oregom in the early 20^th Century.  Some opted to remain in Oklahoma, where their descendants live today; but descendants of the largest surviving group live on the Klamath Reservation in southwest Oregon.

The Act of August 1, 1956, terminating Federal supervision over the property of the Modoc Tribe, was repealed by the Act May 15, 1978, which reinstated the Modoc as a federally recognized tribe.