Careful, You Might Learn Something!

 During my last 2 semesters of school we have discussed the Native American culture in Utah History as well as History of the West. One particular event stands out in both classes; the Bear River Massacre. In 1863, Colonel Patrick Connor and his California volunteers were stationed in Salt Lake at Fort Douglass when word came in of a dispute between the white settlers and the Shoshone. Being extremely anti-Indian, Connor marched his troops north into the Washington Territory and on January 29, 1863 wiped out the group gathered near the Bear River. Estimates range from 250 to 350 Native Americans slaughtered, men, women and children. 

 This memorial was placed in the vicinity to mark this horrible tragedy. Over time, the land in the area has been returned to the tribe in small parcels. The massacre site itself was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1990. In 2008, the Western Shoshone had acquired all the land and were planning on erecting a monument of their own on site.  

The foto above shows the valley from the north side. At this point in time, there is no evidence of an Indian Memorial, just ones built by the state of Idaho. The valley is peaceful and rather pretty. 

 Though the massacre was 152 years ago, the memory of it is strong among the Shoshone Tribe. Back in a corner, out of the way lies this tree. I cannot say if it has a name but I will call it a memorial tree. In this tree are many tiny memorials to the Native Americans killed by Connor. I tried to pick out the best ones to post here as to give my 2 fans a slight look at what they were.

 Many of the ornaments were dated from this year. It is said that the tribe gathers every year on the anniversary to mourn the loss of their ancestors. 

 This one contained shells, beads and something my untrained eye could not decipher. I am going to say that the majority of them are from this last January due to the dates on them and the fact they are still very colorful. 

 Popular among the gifts were dream catchers and gods-eyes. 

 The memory of the massacre is still strong among the surviving members of the Shoshone Tribe. The tales of the lost battle are passed on through stories by the Elders of the tribe to each passing generation. This sad tale of a massacre will continue to be passed on for many generations to come. 
Jeep on my friends.