It was a successful operation for the United States Army which precipitated the Long Walk and was the final major military engagement between the Navajo and the Americans.

The battle ended with the fall of the main Navajo settlements of Canyon de Chelly in present-day northern Arizona.

Colonel Christopher H. "Kit" Carson had been waging a successful campaign against the Navajos employing a scorched earth policy, destroying homes, food and supplies.

[4] Brigadier General James H. Carleton ordered Carson into the Navajo stronghold in Canyon de Chelly.

The Navajo in Canyon de Chelly were members of the bands led by Manuelito, Barboncito and his brother Delgado.

[2] When Carson was ready to move against Canyon de Chelly, Barboncito's men ran off all the army mules.

Carson traversed the entire canyon, occasionally engaging in skirmishes and destroying every abandoned native camp he found until reaching the opposite end without encountering the main Navajo band or Captain Pfeiffer.

[2] In the meantime, Carson sent Captain Asa B. Carey through the canyon one last time before the entire command returned to Fort Canby.