The Salt War in San Elizario, TX (about 20 miles SE of El Paso) took place in 1877, when Charles Howard filed a claim for the salt lakes; several months later, he was forced to relinquish his claim. Two months later, 20 Texas Rangers came to San Elizario, and encountered a group of armed protesters. After two days, the Rangers surrendered, marking the only time in history a Texas Ranger unit ever surrendered to adversaries. Afterwards, the 9th Cavalry of Buffalo Soldiers were sent from Ft Huachuca, Arizona Territory to Ft Bliss in El Paso for several months to maintain the peace.
