April 15, 1862---The Battle of Picacho Pass, C.S.A. Arizona Territory

APRIL 15, 1862:         

 The Battle of Picacho Pass. 

Fifteen Union cavalrymen intercept 10 Confederate cavalrymen 30 miles north of Tucson, Arizona Territory. The Confederate unit had actually reached California and was returning after burning the hay at a stagecoach stop.   

For its size, Picacho Pass is one of the most vicious battles of the Civil War, costing 6 Union casualties (40%) and 5 Confederate casualties (50%). 

The Confederates move off toward Tucson, while the Union men (of the California Column) continue on toward El Paso. 

Although Picacho Pass is considered a Confederate victory, it was a pyrrhic victory in that, unable to support themselves, Confederate forces in the Territory were evacuating toward El Paso.