The First Battle of Pyramid Lake in 1860 was one of the opening conflicts of the Paiute War in Nevada between the American people and the Paiute people, who had resisted the increasing numbers of migrants who traveled the California Trail through their territory, taking scarce game and water resources, as well as altercations with the Pony Express.

[5] They cut down pinyon trees to make fuel for ore-processing, destroying the pine-nut orchards that were essential to the Paiute food economy.

Ranchers moved into the fertile valleys, cutting off access to places where nuts, roots, and seeds could be gathered.

[6] The Paiutes and their allies, the Bannocks and Shoshones, gathered at Pyramid Lake towards the end of April 1860 for a conference on how to deal with the encroachments of the white men.

Chief Winnemucca (Poito), the most senior leader at the assembly, appeared to be in favor of war, but refrained from taking a public position.

In the preceding period, William Ormsby had become friendly with many important Paiute leaders, including Chief Truckee.

Ormsby marched to Williams Station, gave a Christian burial to the mutilated and dead men, and continued north to Pyramid Lake following the Truckee River.

Numaga let about 100 warriors show themselves, drawing Ormsby's fire, then a larger group appeared and advanced against the white men.

John C. Hays, noted former Texas Ranger, went to Carson City to organize and train a volunteer army regiment.