Bear River Massacre Site, Historical site near Preston, Idaho
The Bear River Massacre Site spans 1,691 acres along Battle Creek, featuring meadows and natural landmarks where a Shoshone village once stood. The land includes observation points that let visitors see the rolling terrain and creek where community members lived.
On January 29, 1863, Colonel Patrick Connor and California Volunteers attacked a Shoshone winter camp, resulting in the deaths of 250 to 400 Native Americans. This became one of the deadliest conflicts between settlers and Native peoples in the early American West.
The Shoshone remember this place as a symbol of their resilience and connection to ancestors who lived along these waters. Today, visitors can experience how the Northwestern Band uses the land to share their own perspective on what happened here.
The site can be accessed from US Highway 91, with the main entrance located several miles north of Preston. Visitors should wear sturdy footwear and be prepared for changing weather since the land is open and exposed.
This place is associated with the highest casualty count of any 19th century conflict between settlers and Native peoples in the Western United States. This historical distinction makes it a significant but often overlooked chapter in American history.
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