Massacre at Bear River

—The Largest Indian Massacre in the West —

Before dawn on the bitterly cold day of January 26, Shoshone leader Sagwich rose early to survey the area. As he looked toward the bluffs to the south he observed what seemed to be a mist of fog crawling down the bluffs across the river from the camp. Suddenly a company of soldiers on horseback appeared. The alarm was raised in the camp and the Shoshone leaders gathered to parley with the soldiers However, upon fording the river and seeing the mass of Shoshone, the cavalry opened fire and advanced on the camp. At first they were driven back and several soldiers were killed. Eventually, regrouping and reinforced by the infantry, the soldiers attacked the encampment and what began as a battle quickly became a massacre. The creek bottom where the Shoshone turned for protection, became instead a trap. Many who were not killed outright drowned while trying to escape in the river. The soldiers, better equipped with guns and ammunition, slaughtered the Indians in hand-to-hand combat. According to the Shoshone, Col. Connor never had any intention of negotiating with their people and arrived with the specific intention of attacking the Indians, leaving them no alternative but death and annihilation. (Marker Number 5.)

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Show me all markers in:  Preston, ID  |  Franklin County  |  83263  |  Idaho  |  United States of America

California Volunteers March to the Bear River
Change and Conflict
Shoshone Bear River Winter Home
A Battle Becomes a Massacre
The Earth Will Remember
The Shoshone
Utah & Northern Railway
The Battle of Bear River
Bear River Massacre Monument
Bear River Massacre

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