Organization of Westside Neighbors (O.W.N.)

HISTORIAN RECOUNTS BATTLE ON WESTSIDE

Feb 06, 2002

On January 11, Dr. Wilford O. Martinez gave a guest presentation at the Old Colorado City History Center on the research for his new book titled Anza and Cuerno Verde. The book chronologically details the events of the 1779 Comanche campaign fought between the Spanish militia, commanded by Juan Bautista de Anza, and the Comanche chief commonly referred to as "Greenhorn". Of particular significance to those in attendance was Dr. Martinez' calculation that a running battle commenced at the Comanche campsite(located in 1779) at the confluence of Fountain and Monument Creeks.


This battle has been recorded as a logistical victory for Anza, resulting in the deaths of 18 Comanche warriors and the capture of all 500 of the camp's horses. Another battle between the Spanish militia and "Greenhorn" himself, along with his returning 50-warrior raiding party, is calculated to have occurred several miles south of Pueblo, near the St. Charles River. Each battle site would be eligible for consideration under the American Battlefield Protection Program. Anza and Cuerno Verde is on sale at the Old Colorado City History Center for $14.95.