Gunnison Massacre, Utah
The Gunnison Massacre stands as a tragic episode in the history of the American West, a stark reminder of the conflicts that arose during the era of westward expansion and the complex relationships between settlers and Native American tribes. In 1853, Captain John W. Gunnison, leading a Pacific Railroad Survey party, met a violent end at the hands of Ute Indians in Millard County, Utah. This event not only halted surveying activities but also cast a shadow over the region, leaving a legacy that continues to be remembered.
The Setting: Utah Territory and the Walker War
To understand the context of the Gunnison Massacre, it is essential to consider the situation in the Utah Territory during the mid-19th century. The territory was home to a diverse population, including Mormon settlers who had arrived seeking religious freedom and various Native American tribes who had inhabited the land for generations.
Among these tribes were the Ute Indians, who occupied a vast area of central Utah. As the Mormon population grew and began to encroach upon traditional Ute lands, tensions inevitably arose. These tensions eventually erupted into open conflict with the outbreak of the Walker War in 1853, named after the Ute chief Wakara (also known as Walker).
John W. Gunnison and the Pacific Railroad Survey
In the midst of this volatile environment, Captain John W. Gunnison was tasked with leading a survey party to explore potential routes for the planned Pacific Railroad. The survey was sponsored by the War Department’s Corps of Topographical Engineers, highlighting the importance of the railroad project to the U.S. government.
John Williams Gunnison was born on November 11, 1812, in Goshen, New Hampshire. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1837 and was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the artillery. Gunnison served in various military assignments before being assigned to the Corps of Topographical Engineers. He gained experience in surveying and exploring the American West, participating in expeditions to the Great Lakes region and the Mississippi River Valley.
Gunnison was known for his meticulous approach to surveying and his dedication to scientific observation. He published a book titled "The Mormons, or, Latter-day Saints, in the Valley of the Great Salt Lake," which provided an account of the Mormon settlement in Utah.
The Ill-Fated Expedition
Unaware of the Walker War, Gunnison and his party of eight men set out from their camp at Cedar Springs, west of Fillmore, Utah, on October 21, 1853. Their mission was to explore the Sevier Lake country, an area known to be within the Ute’s territory.
The survey party included:
- Captain John W. Gunnison: The leader of the expedition, responsible for overseeing the survey and ensuring the safety of his men.
- Richard H. Kern: A topographer and artist, tasked with mapping the terrain and documenting the expedition through drawings and sketches.
- F. Creuzfeldt: A botanist, responsible for collecting and identifying plant species in the region.
- William Potter: A Mormon guide, hired to assist the party with navigation and communication with local communities.
- Private Caulfield, Private Liptoote, Private Mehreens: Soldiers assigned to the expedition for protection and support.
- John Bellows: A camp roustabout, responsible for assisting with various tasks around the camp.
The Massacre
On October 26, 1853, just five days after setting out, the survey party was ambushed by a band of Ute Indians. The attack was swift and brutal, resulting in the deaths of Captain Gunnison and seven of his men. Only four members of the survey party managed to escape the massacre.
The bodies of the deceased were later discovered by searchers and buried at the site of the attack. The location of the massacre is situated on an unimproved road approximately six miles southwest of Hinckley, near the Sevier River.
Aftermath and Legacy
The Gunnison Massacre had a significant impact on the region. Surveying activities in Utah were temporarily halted until the following year when the Walker War ended. Lieutenant Edward G. Beckwith eventually resumed the survey and completed it to the Pacific Ocean.
The massacre also fueled anti-Indian sentiment among settlers and contributed to the escalation of conflicts between Native American tribes and the U.S. government.
In 1976, the site of the Gunnison Massacre was added to the National Register of Historic Places, recognizing its historical significance. A monument stands at the site, serving as a memorial to those who lost their lives and a reminder of the complex history of the American West.
Interpretations and Controversies
The Gunnison Massacre has been the subject of various interpretations and controversies over the years. Some accounts portray the Ute Indians as unprovoked aggressors, while others emphasize the grievances and injustices that led to the attack.
It is important to acknowledge the different perspectives and consider the historical context in which the massacre occurred. The Ute Indians, like many other Native American tribes, were facing increasing pressure from settlers who were encroaching upon their lands and disrupting their traditional way of life.
The Walker War, which was underway at the time of the massacre, was a direct result of these tensions. The Ute Indians were fighting to protect their land, their resources, and their way of life.
Conclusion
The Gunnison Massacre remains a poignant reminder of the conflicts that arose during the westward expansion of the United States. It serves as a reminder of the human cost of these conflicts and the importance of understanding the perspectives of all parties involved.
The massacre site, now a National Historic Place, stands as a memorial to the victims and a testament to the enduring legacy of this tragic event. By remembering and learning from the past, we can strive to create a more just and equitable future for all.