Rogue River courier. (Grants Pass, Or.) 1886-1927, 1902-06-19
HISTORIC TABLE ROCK.


the pioneers in the early days, I'm
fortunately many of the old homes are
being destroyed to make room for
modern structures, but there still re-
mains to us the natural landmarks
which can never be removed.
Little more than half century ago.
Southern Oregon was the home of the
red man. Roaming form place to
place, hunting and fishing, he lived
in comparative peace and content
ment.
Table Rock, the watch Tower of
the Valley, was the home of the tribe
of that name. Situated as it is so
near the river, with its almost perpen-
dicular sides, and reached by only
one narrow trail, it afforded the Indi-
ans natural stronghold. From this
advantageous position commanding a
view of the whole valley. the Indians
watched with jealous eyes every move
ment of the immigrants, and swift as
eagles swooped down upon them ami
hilating whole parties
When gold was discovered in Jack
sons gulch, exciting stories of vast
treasures and untold wealth reached
the East and many persons started ON
the long journey across the continent
in search of the golden treasure.
Weary and footsore, heart sick and
home-sick, but with courage undaunt-
ed, the pioneers reached the Rogue
river valley. Little did they think as
they gazed over the picturesque valley
that on yonder flat-topped mountain
lurked their deadliest enemy.
As the number of settlers increased.
the Indians became more restless and
treacherous. Quarrels led to skirm-
ishs, skirmishes to battles
In the spring of 1880 General Lane,
then governor of Oregon, came with a
few men and some friendly Indians to
aid in quieting the Rogue river
tribes. With his Characteristic cool.
ness and decisiveness he sent this la.
comic message to the Indians at their
fortress on Table Rock: Il want a
peace talk. Come unarmed "
The following day the chief with
seventy-five followers came. General
Lane and the Indian chief sat in the
middle of circle formed by the sol
diers and Indians. Before the meet
ing commenced seventy five armed
Indians arrived. They were told to
lay down their arms and be seated.
When all was quiet General Lane
spoke - hear you have been murder
ing my people. 1t must stop. My
people must pass through your
country in safety. Our laws have
been extended here. Obey them and
live in peace. The Great Father at
Washington will buy your lands and
pay you for them" He paused for a
reply. All was silence. Suddenly
the chief uttered piercing cry.
Instantly the Indians leaped to their
feet, brandishing their weapons and
giving the dreaded war cry. Gener-
al Lane by "A flash of his eye gave
signal The chief was seized and the
Indians commanded to be seated. The
meeting then proceeded as if nothing
had happened. Now go home. Re
turn in two days in friendly man
ner for another council. Your chief
shall be my guest. " The very fear
lessness and boldness shown by Gen
eral Lane seemed to overcome the In
dians. With their chief held as hos
tage the Indians departed.
Early the next morning squaw
was seen on the opposite side of the
river. She begged to be allowed to
see her lord. General Lane brought
her across and by his courteous, kind
ly treatment of her won the confidence
of both the chief and his squaw. So
much did the chief admire him that
he asked 10 be given General Lanes
name. He was told that he could
have the name and was ever after
known as "Chief Jo." When the
council met again a treaty was made.
General Lane wrote few words on
slips of paper and signed his name.
These were given to the Indians and
as long as those slips held together
they were preserved by the Indians
who tried to remember what 10 Lane
had told them and remain at peace.
His name became watchword among
the Indians. He was the William
Penn of the West
Little bylittle the Indians lost their
power and, as they were forced to
give up their land, they became more
savage and relentless. The Table
Rock band remained quiet until, at
Last seeing that they could not save
their home except by fghing for it,
they, too, joined the other tribes in
their effort TO hold what still remain
ed
Major Kearney was sent 10 aid the
pioneers. Two battles were fought at
the foot Of Table Rock, but the set
tiers were unsuccessful and this gave
the Indians courage and added to the
pioneers troubles General Lane,
who was on his way to California,
hurried TO the valley. No sooner had
the Indians heard that be had arrived
than his name was heard on every
side.
Chief Jo called from Table Rock
across the river 20 Gen. Lane telling
him Of their troubles. 1.-THE white
men have come on horses in great
numbers. They are taking our
country. We are afraid to lie down
IN ataaFt taut tI..~ og,.a ....,... 49,. ~