One Of The Most Deadly Massacres In The West Occurred In Idaho And Many People Don't Know About It
By Courtnie Erickson|Published November 20, 2021
×
Courtnie Erickson
Author
From Southern Utah to the Panhandle in Idaho, Courtnie Erickson has lived in what she believes are the best (and the most beautiful!) areas in the country. She graduated with a journalism degree from Utah State University and has more than 15 years of professional writing experience. You’ll likely see her with a Dr. Pepper in her hand and a pair of running shoes on her feet. Courtnie is a writer and editor at OnlyInYourState.
Many historic events have taken place in the Gem State throughout the years – some good and some bad. While there are some stories that many individuals know well and could easily tell, there are other historical events that many Idahoans know very little about. The Bear River Massacre in Idaho is one of these events. This tragic, terrible event is considered one of the most deadly massacres in the West, yet very few people can tell you what happened.
It all started in January 1863. Colonel Patrick E. Connor led a group of California volunteers from Fort Douglas in Salt Lake City, Utah, to the outside of what is currently Preston, Idaho.
This group of men was in search of members of the Shoshone Tribe. These Native Americans were allegedly responsible for attacking settlers in the area.
On January 29, 1863, Colonel Connor and his group of men attacked Chief Bear Hunter and his winter camp at Battle Creek in the early morning hours. They killed approximately 400 men, women, and children.
Today, located on U.S. Highway 91, near Preston. you can visit the site where this terrible tragedy took place and learn a little more about this important piece of history in Idaho.
You can also pay a visit to the Prayer Tree. Multiple individuals have tied various items to this tree to remember those who lost their lives many years ago.
To help more individuals know this important story, the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation purchased the land of the massacre in 2018. They are working to restore the area to how it was more than a century ago.
There are also plans for a visitor center and nature trails to create a place where Idahoans and others can learn more about this tragic, but important piece of history.
Have you ever visited the Bear River Massacre Site in southern Idaho? Are you familiar with this historical event in Idaho? We’d love to hear about your experiences and your thoughts in the comments.
If you want to learn even more about Idaho’s history, visit North Bingham County Historical Park in Shelley. This unique park consists of more than 20 historic sites.
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
