| Edward Jenner Steptoe | |
|---|---|
Lt. Col. Edward Jenner Steptoe |
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| Born | November 7, 1815 Bedford County, Virginia |
| Died | April 1, 1865 (aged 49) |
| Buried at | Presbyterian Cemetery, Lynchburg, VA |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/branch | United States Army |
| Years of service | 1837 - 1861 |
| Rank | Lieutenant Colonel |
| Battles/wars |
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Edward Jenner Steptoe (November 7, 1815 - April 1, 1865) was an officer in the United States Army who served in the Mexican-American War and the Indian Wars. He is primarily remembered for his defeat at the Battle of Pine Creek during the Spokane-Coeur d'Alene-Paloos War. It was at Pine Creek where Steptoe and 164 men were ambushed by over 1000 Indian warriors.[1][2] The battle, and the subsequent (successful) retreat, is also known as "the Steptoe Disaster."[3]
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Steptoe was born in Virginia and graduated from West Point on July 1, 1837. He first saw action in Florida fighting against the Seminoles.[3][4]
From 1838 to 1842, Steptoe fought extensively in the Mexican-American War. Initially at the rank of captain, he participated in The Siege of Vera Cruz, and fought in the Battles of Cerro Gordo, San Antonio Garita, Buena Vista, and Chapultepec. After Cerro Gordo he was promoted to brevet major, and following Chapultepec he was promoted to brevet lieutenant colonel.[4]
After the war, he was posted to Utah to deal with problems between Native Americans and white settlers. In 1854, President Franklin Pierce offered Steptoe the governorship of the Utah Territory, to replace Brigham Young. Steptoe did not receive the actual letter from Pierce until March 1855. By that time he had already decided to turn down the offer.[4]
In May 1858, during the Spokane–Coeur d'Alene–Paloos War, a combined force of about 1,000 Coeur d’Alenes, Spokanes, and Palouses attacked and defeated a force of 164 US troops under Steptoe at the Battle of Pine Creek.[1]
He retired due to ill health in 1861, and died four years later. He is buried in Lynchburg, Virginia, where his tombstone is marked: "Edward J. Steptoe, Lieut. Col., Army of the United States."