Near Middleton in Canyon County, Idaho — The American West (Mountains)

The Ward Massacre

Photographed By Rebecca Maxwell, September 9, 2009

1. The Ward Massacre Marker

Inscription. Only 2 young boys survived the Indian attack on Alexander Ward's 20 member party, Oregon bound on August 20, 1854.

Military retaliation for the slaughter so enraged the Indians that Hudson's Bay Co. posts Fort Boise and Fort Hall had to be abandoned, and the Oregon Trail became unsafe without army escort. Eight years of Indian terror followed. Finally the 1862 gold rush brought powerful forces, civilian and military, that gradually subdued the tribes.

Erected by Idaho Historical Society. (Marker Number 75.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Native Americans • Settlements & Settlers • Wars, US Indian. In addition, it is included in the Idaho State Historical Society, and the Oregon Trail series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1854.

Location. 43° 40.618′ N, 116° 36.518′ W. Marker is near Middleton, Idaho, in Canyon County. Marker is on Lincoln Road, 0.2 miles east of Middleton Road, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Caldwell ID 83605, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. To the Memory of the Pioneers (within shouting distance of this marker); Violence is Avenged (within shouting distance of this marker);

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Peaceful Trading Turns Hostile (within shouting distance of this marker); Hostility Erupts Into Violence (within shouting distance of this marker); Idaho's First Heroine - Madame Marie Dorion (approx. 3.9 miles away); A.K. Steunenberg, Frank Steunenberg (approx. 4 miles away); Caldwell Train Depot (approx. 4 miles away); Emigrant Crossing (approx. 4.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Middleton.

More about this marker. This marker has been moved to stand near Ward Memorial State Park, a site dedicated to the victims of the massacre.

Additional commentary.
1. I am a descendant of survivor William M Ward
I have heard about the Ward Massacre all my life, saw family photos of William and his brother Newton. I also saw the original newspaper articles from the dedication of the site and marker. William died in Yountville, California in the Veterans home there in 1922. Just this week I received jpg files of his original memoirs, that he dictated to someone. The first time I saw them was in 1969

Marker and Ward Memorial State Park image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Rebecca Maxwell, September 9, 2009

2. Marker and Ward Memorial State Park

when they were given to my grandmother. I remember they were rolled in a leather cover with rawhide string. My grandmother, mother and I, sat on the bed and rolled them out very gently. The paper was brittle and golden brown. We sat for hours trying to read the pages. It was an amazing story that still needs to be told. I have started reading and transcribing it. I will be posting the original and transcription online soon. Note To Editor only visible by Contributor and editor

— Submitted August 16, 2012, by Kari Lemons of Mountain View, California.

2. I am also a Ward Decendant
I am a Ward descendant. Alexander would have been an uncle. My 5th great grandfather, Sheriff Holman in the Dallas Oregon area, fostered the two boys after the attack. My 5th great grandmother was their Ward aunt.

— Submitted November 26, 2022, by Trina Sellers of Seattle, Washington.

Additional keywords. Oregon Trail, Fort Boise, Fort Hall

Ward Massacre Dedication Monument image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Rebecca Maxwell, September 9, 2009

3. Ward Massacre Dedication Monument

Names of Those Killed in the Massacre image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Rebecca Maxwell, September 9, 2009

4. Names of Those Killed in the Massacre

Credits. This page was last revised on January 18, 2023. It was originally submitted on September 9, 2009, by Rebecca Maxwell of Boise, Idaho. This page has been viewed 11,123 times since then and 855 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 9, 2009, by Rebecca Maxwell of Boise, Idaho. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.