One of the last armed conflicts between the United States government and Ute and Paiute Native Americans, ending with a trial that acquitted the accused.
Key Facts
- Also known as
- Posey War of 1915 / Polk and Posse War
- Accused individual
- Tse-ne-gat (Everett Hatch), son of Chief Polk
- Alleged crime
- Murder of shepherd Juan Chacon
- U.S. Army negotiator
- General Hugh L. Scott
- Trial outcome
- Tse-ne-gat found innocent, Denver, July 1915
- Location
- Near Bluff, Utah
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
In March 1914, several Utes accused Tse-ne-gat, son of Paiute Chief Narraguinnep (known as Polk), of murdering a shepherd named Juan Chacon. A posse attempted to arrest Tse-ne-gat in February 1915, prompting armed resistance from Paiute and Ute bands led by Polk and Posey.
The conflict near Bluff, Utah involved clashes between U.S. posses and Ute and Paiute warriors, resulting in deaths and wounds on both sides. The standoff continued until March 1915, when negotiations mediated by U.S. Army General Hugh L. Scott led to Polk surrendering Tse-ne-gat peacefully.
Following his surrender, Tse-ne-gat was tried in Denver and found innocent of murder in July 1915. The Bluff War is regarded as one of the final armed conflicts between the United States government and Native American groups in Utah.
Belligerents & Mobilization Analysis
Side A
1 belligerent
General Hugh L. Scott.
Side B
1 belligerent
Chief Narraguinnep (Polk), Posey.