Bannock Military Campaign
The Bannock Military Campaign of 1878-1879 represents a significant, albeit often overlooked, chapter in the history of conflict between the United States government and Native American tribes in the American West. Fueled by simmering tensions over land allotments, resource scarcity, and the erosion of traditional ways of life, the campaign encompassed a series of military actions primarily in southern Idaho and surrounding territories. This article will delve into the complexities of the Bannock Military Campaign, exploring its origins, key events, and lasting consequences for the Bannock, Paiute, and other tribes involved.
The spark that ignited the Bannock Military Campaign can be traced back to the treaties and agreements that confined Native American tribes to reservations. While intended to provide a secure homeland, these reservations often proved inadequate, lacking sufficient resources to sustain the tribes. The Bannock, along with their allies the Paiute, found themselves increasingly dissatisfied with the limited land allotments, restrictions on their traditional hunting and gathering practices, and the overall disruption of their cultural heritage. This discontent fostered a growing sense of resentment and a desire to resist further encroachment on their lands and autonomy.
In 1878, this simmering frustration boiled over into open rebellion. Many Bannock and Paiute individuals left the reservations, seeking to reclaim their freedom and traditional way of life. This exodus triggered a swift response from the U.S. military, which dispatched Regulars from the 21st Infantry, 4th Artillery, and 1st Cavalry to pursue the so-called "fugitives." These soldiers, often veterans of previous Indian Wars, were tasked with enforcing the government’s policies and returning the tribes to their designated reservations.
One of the early significant engagements of the Bannock Military Campaign occurred near the Umatilla Agency on July 13, 1878. Captain Evan Miles, leading a contingent of U.S. troops, effectively dispersed a large band of Bannock and Paiute warriors. This victory, while not decisive, served to demoralize some of the resistance and prompted many individuals to return to their reservations within a few months. However, the underlying issues remained unresolved, and sporadic outbreaks of violence continued to plague the region.
The following year, in 1879, a new element entered the fray: the Sheepeaters. This small, isolated band of Native Americans, known for their expertise in hunting mountain sheep, were essentially outcasts from various Idaho tribes. Driven by desperation and a desire for self-preservation, the Sheepeaters began raiding ranches and mines in the remote areas of Idaho. Their actions, while limited in scale, further destabilized the region and prompted the U.S. military to intensify its efforts.
The pursuit of the Sheepeaters proved to be a challenging undertaking. The rugged terrain of the Idaho mountains provided ample cover for the Sheepeaters, allowing them to evade capture for months. However, the relentless pressure exerted by elements of the 1st Cavalry and 2d Infantry eventually took its toll. In September 1879, facing dwindling resources and overwhelming odds, the Sheepeaters surrendered to the U.S. military, effectively bringing an end to their campaign of resistance.
The conclusion of the Bannock Military Campaign, marked by the surrender of the Sheepeaters, did not bring about a lasting peace. Instead, it ushered in a new era of hardship and oppression for the Bannock and other tribes involved. The American government, determined to prevent future uprisings, implemented a series of policies aimed at further restricting the tribes’ movements and autonomy.
One of the most significant consequences of the Bannock Military Campaign was the increased restrictions placed on the Bannock living on the Fort Hall Reservation. The government severely limited their ability to leave the reservation, effectively severing their connections with other tribal groups and restricting their access to local resources. This isolation and dependence on government rations further eroded their traditional way of life and fostered a sense of despair. Despite these challenges, the Bannock people demonstrated resilience and worked to construct a community within the reservation, preserving their cultural heritage as best they could under the circumstances.
The fate of other Bannock and Paiute individuals was even more dire. Many were taken prisoner and interned at the Malheur Reservation in Oregon. While the Paiute had played a less central role in the Bannock Military Campaign, they were nonetheless subjected to the same harsh treatment as their Bannock allies. In November 1878, General Howard ordered the transfer of approximately 543 Bannock and Paiute prisoners from the Malheur Reservation to the Yakama Indian Reservation in southeastern Washington Territory.
Life at the Yakama Reservation was marked by severe privation. The prisoners endured inadequate housing, insufficient food supplies, and a general lack of resources. The harsh conditions took a heavy toll on their health and well-being, and many succumbed to disease and starvation. The internment at Yakama represented a tragic chapter in the history of the Bannock Military Campaign, highlighting the government’s disregard for the basic human rights of Native American prisoners.
Adding insult to injury, the Malheur Reservation was closed in 1879 due to pressure from settlers who coveted the land. This decision further displaced the remaining Native Americans in the region and underscored the government’s willingness to prioritize the interests of white settlers over the rights of indigenous peoples.
In 1886, a glimmer of hope emerged for the Northern Paiute from Idaho and Nevada. After years of internment at Yakama, they were finally released and relocated to an expanded Duck Valley Indian Reservation, where they were reunited with their Western Shoshone brethren. This relocation, while a step in the right direction, did not fully compensate for the hardships they had endured during the Bannock Military Campaign and its aftermath.
The Bannock Military Campaign stands as a stark reminder of the injustices inflicted upon Native American tribes during the westward expansion of the United States. Fueled by broken treaties, resource scarcity, and cultural misunderstandings, the campaign resulted in significant loss of life, displacement, and the erosion of traditional ways of life. While the military actions themselves were relatively brief, the long-term consequences for the Bannock, Paiute, and other tribes involved were profound and enduring. The legacy of the Bannock Military Campaign continues to resonate today, reminding us of the need for greater understanding, respect, and justice in our relationship with Native American communities.