Bear River Massacre Site facts for kids
|
Bear River Massacre Site
|
|
Monument erected near the site in 1932
|
|
 Location in Idaho
Location in the United States
|
|
| Nearest city | Preston, Idaho |
|---|---|
| Area | 1,691 acres (6.84 km2) |
| Built | 1862 |
| NRHP reference No. | 73000685 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
|
| Added to NRHP | March 14, 1973 |
| Designated NHL | June 21, 1990 |
The Bear River Massacre Site, located near Preston, Idaho, is a very important historical place. It's where a tragic event called the Bear River Massacre happened on January 29, 1863. During this event, a village of Shoshone Native Americans was attacked by a group of soldiers called the California Volunteers.
Many Shoshone people lost their lives during the attack, with estimates going as high as 384. This event is also known as the Bear River Battleground or Massacre at Boa Ogoi. It was one of the deadliest events in the American Indian Wars of the 1800s. However, at the time, it was not widely known because the American Civil War was happening. In 1990, the site was recognized as a National Historic Landmark, which means it's a place of great historical importance.
What Happened at Bear River?
The site of the attack is a few miles northwest of Preston, Idaho. It is divided by U.S. Route 91. The area has important natural features like the Bear River and the open fields along its banks. There is also Battle Creek, which flows through the area.
The Shoshone village was located in the fields below a steep slope, called an escarpment. The village had about 70 lodges, which are traditional homes, on both sides of Battle Creek. This creek created a deep ditch, or ravine, as it flowed towards the river. This ravine became a key part of the conflict. Shoshone warriors used it for defense, and many unarmed people tried to find safety there. Some people also tried to escape by swimming across the Bear River. The California Volunteers collected their own fallen soldiers but left the Shoshone where they had fallen.
Remembering the Past
In March 2008, a part of this historic site was bought by the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation. This group is a part of the Shoshone people. They announced plans to build a memorial at the burial site to honor those who died.
In early 2008, a picnic area and historic spot were created east of the highway. This spot is on a hilltop that looks over the site from the north. In 2018, the tribe announced they had bought about 600 more acres of the massacre site. They plan to build a cultural center and another memorial there. These efforts help people learn about what happened and remember the Shoshone people.
