Numaga (1830-1871):

Although he counseled peace, Numaga is most remembered as the leader of the Paiute forces during the Battles of Pyramid Lake in 1860.

Numaga, also known as Young Winnemucca, is believed to have been born near Pyramid Lake in 1830. Although there is some confusion as to his relationship with Chief Winnemucca, one of the leaders of the Paiutes from about 1847 to 1882, most historians conclude that Numaga was probably the chief's son.

In 1860, white settlers began pouring into Western Nevada because of the discovery of silver in Virginia City. The newcomers began cutting down pinon-pine forests for firewood, thus eliminating an important food source, pine nuts, of the Paiutes.

Additionally, as settlers established towns and ranches, they forced the Indians off their ancestral lands. Tensions mounted in May 1860, when two Indian girls were held against their will at William Station, near the present-day site of Lahontan Reservoir.

The kidnappers were killed and the trading post burned. In response, more than 100 white volunteers marched on the Paiutes near Pyramid Lake.

Under the leadership of Numaga, who initially opposed war, the Paiute warriors defeated the ill-prepared company, killing 75 of the 105 volunteers. Hostilities ceased after a second battle in June, during which a company of 800 trained soldiers from California broke the Paiute forces.

Numaga, who survived both battles, negotiated a peace treaty on behalf of his people. He died of tuberculosis on November 5, 1871. Numaga was buried in the hills near Wadsworth, but the location of his grave site has been lost.