Bear River Massacre, Idaho – Legends of America

The Bear River Massacre, also known as the Battle of Bear River or the Massacre at Boa Ogoi, stands as a grim and tragic chapter in the history of the American West. This brutal encounter, which unfolded on January 29, 1863, near present-day Preston, Idaho, involved a devastating attack by the United States Army on a winter encampment of the Northwestern Shoshone people. The event’s historical significance is underscored by the sheer scale of human loss and the profound impact it had on the Shoshone community, marking it as one of the deadliest massacres in the long and fraught history of conflict between Native Americans and the U.S. government.

A Traditional Homeland Disrupted

The Cache Valley, a region blessed with fertile lands and abundant resources, served as the ancestral hunting grounds for the Northwestern Shoshone. For generations, the Shoshone had thrived in this area, their lives intricately woven with the rhythms of the natural world. They skillfully harvested grain and grass seeds, fished for trout in the clear, flowing streams, and hunted both small and large game that roamed the valley. The Cache Valley was more than just a place to live; it was the heart of their culture, their sustenance, and their identity.

However, the arrival of increasing numbers of travelers and settlers began to disrupt this delicate balance. As wagon trains rumbled through their lands and homesteads sprouted across the landscape, the Shoshone’s traditional food supply dwindled, and their way of life came under increasing pressure. The settlers, driven by the promise of land and opportunity, often viewed the Shoshone as obstacles to their progress, leading to escalating tensions and conflicts.

Escalating Tensions and Skirmishes

Years of simmering resentment and competition for resources finally erupted into open conflict. Desperate for food, the Shoshone began raiding farms and ranches, acts born out of necessity but viewed as aggression by the settlers. These raids further fueled the settlers’ fears and demands for military intervention, creating a volatile atmosphere of mutual distrust and hostility.

In response to these escalating tensions, Colonel Patrick Edward Connor, a hard-nosed military officer, was tasked with restoring order. Leading a force of approximately 200 California Volunteers, Connor, with the assistance of Brigham Young’s Utah Militia, set his sights on the Northwestern Shoshone winter village located at the confluence of the Bear River and Beaver Creek, in what was then southeastern Washington Territory. This village, a haven for the Shoshone during the harsh winter months, would soon become the site of unspeakable violence.

The Fateful Day: January 29, 1863

On that frigid January morning, as the first rays of sunlight touched the snow-covered landscape, the tranquility of the Shoshone village was shattered. Chief Sagwitch, a respected leader known for his wisdom and foresight, reportedly noticed something amiss on the ridge overlooking the village. His words, filled with apprehension, hinted at the impending danger: "Look like there is something up on the ridge up there. Look like a cloud. Maybe it is steam come from a horse. Maybe that’s them soldiers they were talking about."

Tragically, Sagwitch’s premonition proved accurate. Colonel Connor’s troops launched a surprise attack on the unsuspecting village, unleashing a torrent of gunfire and chaos. The Shoshone, caught completely off guard, mounted a desperate defense, but they were severely outmatched by the superior firepower and training of the U.S. Army.

A Massacre Unfolds

The ensuing hours witnessed a horrifying slaughter. Approximately 250 Shoshone men, women, and children were mercilessly slain in the brutal onslaught. The soldiers, fueled by a combination of fear, prejudice, and a thirst for revenge, showed little regard for human life. Chief Bear Hunter, a prominent Shoshone leader, and Sub-chief Lehi were among those who perished in the carnage, their deaths symbolizing the devastating loss suffered by the Shoshone people.

Eyewitness accounts paint a harrowing picture of the atrocities committed that day. Some undisciplined soldiers, driven by bloodlust and a complete disregard for human decency, reportedly engaged in acts of unspeakable violence, including the rape of women and the bashing in of the heads of wounded women and children. These horrific acts, though not officially sanctioned, cast a dark shadow over the entire operation and serve as a stark reminder of the brutality that often accompanied the Indian Wars.

Following the massacre, the troops systematically destroyed the Shoshone’s winter stores, burning 75 lodges and seizing 1,000 bushels of wheat and flour. They also appropriated 175 horses, further crippling the Shoshone’s ability to survive and rebuild. While the soldiers tended to their own wounded and transported their dead back to Camp Douglas in Salt Lake City for burial, the bodies of the Shoshone were left to rot on the battlefield, a final act of disrespect and dehumanization.

Aftermath and Survival

Despite the immense loss and devastation, the Shoshone people demonstrated remarkable resilience. Chief Sagwitch, though grief-stricken by the loss of loved ones and the destruction of his community, rallied the survivors and led them to a temporary encampment near Franklin, Idaho. There, they struggled to rebuild their lives, clinging to their traditions and their hope for a better future.

The California Volunteers suffered 14 soldiers killed and 49 wounded, seven mortally, a testament to the fierce resistance put up by the Shoshone warriors despite being heavily outnumbered and outgunned.

Overlooked in History

The Bear River Massacre has often been overlooked in the broader narrative of the American West, overshadowed by the more prominent events of the Civil War. However, its significance cannot be understated. Of the six major Indian massacres in the Far West, from Bear River in 1863 to Wounded Knee in 1890, the Bear River affair resulted in the highest number of casualties. It is a tragedy that deserves greater recognition and remembrance.

The site of the massacre is located near the present-day city of Preston in Franklin County, Idaho. Today, efforts are underway to preserve the site and educate the public about the events that transpired there, ensuring that the memory of the victims is not forgotten.

A Legacy of Trauma and Resilience

The Bear River Massacre left an indelible scar on the Northwestern Shoshone people. It shattered their communities, decimated their population, and left a legacy of trauma that continues to affect generations. Yet, despite the immense suffering they endured, the Shoshone have persevered. They have worked tirelessly to preserve their culture, reclaim their history, and advocate for their rights. The Bear River Massacre stands as a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring strength of the Shoshone people.