By late 1872, the U.S. Army was ordered to return the Modocs, by force if necessary, to the reservation. Initially victorious, the Modocs, under the leadership of Captain Jack, drove off the troops and sought safety in the lava beds, where for almost five months 52 warriors held off a growing army, eventually 20 times larger. An effort to end the war by negotiation ended in even more bloodshed. The remaining members of Jacks band were sent to a reservation in Oklahoma. At first glance the land looks barren, covered by scrawny grasses and clumps of sagebrush.
Closer examination reveals much more.
In north end of the monument, which is at the lowest elevation, grasslands dominate and few trees are to be seen. Further south, and higher, the vegetation gradually changes as more and more junipers intrude on the grasslands. In the extreme southern reaches, the grasslands disappear altogether, and the junipers give way to a pine forest. All of this land is volcanic in origin and making soil that can support plant life takes a long time. Once established, the vegetation provides shelter, food, and refuge for small animals who in turn are a source of food for predatory animals and birds of prey.