Pocatello in Bannock County, Idaho — The American West (Mountains)

The Shoshone

Chief Pocatello Monument

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, June 22, 2017

1. The Shoshone Marker

Map of Shoshone territory

Inscription. Chief Pocatello's People -- The Shoshone

The band led by Chief Pocatello were members of the Shoshone tribe. Shoshone territory included most of Idaho, northern Utah, northern Colorado, Montana, Wyoming, Central Nevada and in California, in the Death Valley and Panamint areas.

Originators of the Horse Culture in the Intermountain West The Shoshone introduced the horse to the Intermountain West, having traded with the Ute and Comanche for their first horses in the early 1700's. Shortly thereafter the Nez Perce acquired horses, followed by the Crow and Blackfeet.
Horses revolutionized life of the tribes that acquired them. They enabled easier and more efficient travel and greatly expanded hunting ranges. Tribes that possessed horses had a significant competitive advantage over those that did not.
Just as in other native cultures centered upon the horse, a Shoshone man's wealth was measured by the number of horses he owned. Horses elevated the owner's prestige and constituted a significant asset in trading.
Upon his death, Chief Pocatello was buried with 18 of his best horses. It is said that he was almost

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never seen on anything but white horses, a color that has great spiritual significance to the Shoshone.

Master Traders The Shoshone were formidable warriors when circumstances called for it, but they excelled as traders. Because their territories sat at the gateway of the Rocky Mountains, the Shoshone utilized an extensive trade network that brought them into contact with the Plains Indian tribes to the east, and with the Ute and Comanche to the south. There are documented records of Shoshone trade into Spanish territory.
Warriors, Master horsemen, Astute traders. The Shoshone were a vital part of the complex tribal constellation in the Intermountain West.

Erected by City of Pocatello.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Animals • Indigenous Peoples and Communities.

Location. 42° 50.782′ N, 112° 25.238′ W. Marker is in Pocatello, Idaho, in Bannock County. It is at the intersection of South 5th Avenue (U.S. 30) and South 4th Avenue, on the left when traveling north on South 5th Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, June 22, 2017

2. The Shoshone Marker

address: 2695 South 5th Avenue, Pocatello ID 83204, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Idaho’s Bear River Country. It is also in the American Mountain West.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Pocatello’s Life (here, next to this marker); Native Foods (here, next to this marker); Pocatello's Name in WWII (here, next to this marker); The City of Pocatello (here, next to this marker); Chief Pocatello (here, next to this marker); Old Fort Hall (approx. 0.2 miles away); Fort Hall (approx. 0.2 miles away); Idaho State University (approx. 1.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pocatello.

More about this marker. This marker is located at the Visit Pocatello Idaho Tourist Information Center.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 15, 2017. It was originally submitted on September 15, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 764 times since then and 42 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 15, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.