Near Preston in Franklin County, Idaho — The American West (Mountains)

The Battle of Bear River

Photographed By Vincent Cascio, July 8, 2011

1. The Battle of Bear River Marker

Inscription. The Battle of Bear River was fought in this vicinity January 29, 1863 Col. P.E. Connor, leading 300 California volunteers from Camp Douglas, Utah against Bannock and Shoshoni Indian guilty of hostile attacks on emigrants and settlers engaged about 500 Indians of whom 250 to 300 were killed or incapacitated, including about 90 combatant women and children. 14 soldiers were killed, 4 officers and 49 men wounded, of whom 1 officer and 7 men died later. 79 were severely frozen. Chiefs Bear Hunter, Sagwitch, and Lehi were reported killed. 175 horses and much stolen property were recovered. 70 lodges were burned.

Erected 1932 by Franklin County Chapter Daughters Of the Utah Pioneers, Cache Valley Council Boy Scouts of America and Utah Pioneer Trails and Landmarks Association. (Marker Number 16.)

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 Utah Pioneer Trails and Landmarks Association series list. A significant historical date for this entry is January 29, 1863.

Location. 42° 8.448′ N, 111° 54.672′ W. Marker is near Preston, Idaho, in Franklin County. Marker is on Highway 91 (State Highway 91) just south of Hot Spring Road

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, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Preston ID 83263, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Bear River Massacre Monument (here, next to this marker); Bear River Massacre (a few steps from this marker); Utah & Northern Railway (a few steps from this marker); A Battle Becomes a Massacre (approx. 0.8 miles away); The Earth Will Remember (approx. 0.8 miles away); Attack at Bia Ogoi (approx. 0.8 miles away); California Volunteers March to the Bear River (approx. 0.8 miles away); Change and Conflict (approx. 0.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Preston.

Bear River Massacre Monument image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Vincent Cascio, July 8, 2011

2. Bear River Massacre Monument

Credits. This page was last revised on July 18, 2017. It was originally submitted on July 10, 2011, by Vincent Cascio of Logan, Utah. This page has been viewed 551 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 10, 2011, by Vincent Cascio of Logan, Utah. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.