Colonel Owen Thursday is a fictional character from the short story "The Outpost" by author Bret Harte. He serves as a commanding officer at a remote military outpost in the American West during the 19th century. Thursday is portrayed as a strict and traditional leader, often struggling with the challenges of frontier life and the complexities of military duty. The character is notable for his interactions with other soldiers and local Native American tribes, reflecting the tensions of the era. His story highlights themes of honor, duty, and the harsh realities faced by those in the military during westward expansion in the United States.