Posted in Idaho History November 20, 2021 by

One Of The Most Deadly Massacres In The West Occurred In Idaho And Many People Don’t Know About It

Many historic events have taken place in the Gem State throughout the years – some good and some bad. While there are some stories that many individuals know well and could easily tell, there are other historical events that many Idahoans know very little about. The Bear River Massacre in Idaho is one of these events. This tragic, terrible event is considered one of the most deadly massacres in the West, yet very few people can tell you what happened.

It all started in January 1863. Colonel Patrick E. Connor led a group of California volunteers from Fort Douglas in Salt Lake City, Utah, to the outside of what is currently Preston, Idaho.
U.S. National Archives and Records Administration/Wikimedia Commons
This group of men was in search of members of the Shoshone Tribe. These Native Americans were allegedly responsible for attacking settlers in the area.
On January 29, 1863, Colonel Connor and his group of men attacked Chief Bear Hunter and his winter camp at Battle Creek in the early morning hours. They killed approximately 400 men, women, and children.
msroxie2002/Flickr
There are devastating stories of Native Americans hiding from the soldiers, jumping into the freezing river to flee, and more.
This is considered one of the worst massacres of Native Americans in the West. However, it is also one that is rarely discussed.
Jeep Peterson/Google
Today, located on U.S. Highway 91, near Preston. you can visit the site where this terrible tragedy took place and learn a little more about this important piece of history in Idaho.
Juan Carlos Aguilar/Google
There are several markers that will tell you the story of this terrible event and a monument stands where you can pay your respects.
Michelle Hartley/Google
You can also pay a visit to the Prayer Tree. Multiple individuals have tied various items to this tree to remember those who lost their lives many years ago.
AlexRocks/Google
To help more individuals know this important story, the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation purchased the land of the massacre in 2018. They are working to restore the area to how it was more than a century ago.
AlexRocks/Google
There are also plans for a visitor center and nature trails to create a place where Idahoans and others can learn more about this tragic, but important piece of history.

Have you ever visited the Bear River Massacre Site in southern Idaho? Are you familiar with this historical event in Idaho? We’d love to hear about your experiences and your thoughts in the comments.

If you want to learn even more about Idaho’s history, visit North Bingham County Historical Park in Shelley. This unique park consists of more than 20 historic sites.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Address: Bear River Massacre Site, Preston, ID 83263, USA