San Pitch Utes facts for kids
The San Pitch Utes were a group of Ute people. They lived in the beautiful Sanpete Valley, along the Sevier River, and near the San Pitch River. Some people believe they might have originally been part of the Shoshone people. They were generally seen as connected to the Timpanogos Ute band.
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Life Changes for the San Pitch Utes
In the winter of 1849–1850, a new group of settlers, called Mormons, arrived in the Sanpete Valley. They brought with them a sickness called measles. This disease sadly caused many San Pitch Utes to become very ill.
Living Near Manti
The Mormon settlers built a town called Manti. Even with the new town, the San Pitch Utes continued their traditional way of life. They camped, hunted, and fished in the areas near Manti. Those who owned horses would travel to find good hunting grounds.
Learning New Ways
The San Pitch Utes sometimes found it hard to find enough food. Because of this, their leaders, Chief Sanpitch and Walkara, asked the Mormons for help. They wanted the Mormons to teach them how to farm. However, not many Utes were interested in changing their traditional hunting and gathering lifestyle to farming.
Cultural Interactions
More than 100 Utes were baptized by the Mormons in Manti Creek. But for many, this was not a full change in their beliefs. The band continued to practice their traditional ceremonies. The Utes often asked the settlers for food, which sometimes caused problems with some of the Mormons. To help manage these interactions, Brigham Young, a leader of the Mormons, appointed special agents to work with the Ute people in different areas.
Relocation to a Reservation
Later, the United States government officially classified the San Pitch Utes as part of the Uintah tribe. Because of this, they were moved to the Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservation. This was a big change from their traditional lands.
Notable Leaders
- Aropeen: A well-known Ute chief.
- Chief Sanpitch: An important leader. The area of Sanpete County, Utah, is named after him.
