KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. (AP) – Four Modoc men who were executed as war criminals in 1873 were honored as warriors and significant historical figures during a grave dedication ceremony at Fort Klamath.

The Klamath Falls Herald and News reports that the graves of Chief Kintpuash, Schonchin John, Black Jim and Boston Charley were formally dedicated Saturday by tribe members and local museum officials.

The four men were hanged after the Modoc War, during which Kintpuash led tribe members from the Klamath Reservation to their traditional lands in Northern California. They were executed for killing two men during attempted peace talks.

The men’s graves were located with ground-penetrating radar and fitted with new grave markers to replace deteriorating ones.

Modoc officials say the four men are the only Native Americans ever tried and executed for war crimes.

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Information from: Herald and News, http://www.heraldandnews.com