Near Driggs in Teton County, Idaho — The American West (Mountains)

Pierre's Hole Rendezvous and Battle

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 23, 2017

1. Pierre's Hole Rendezvous and Battle Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

Over 325 non-natives were in attendance. American Fur Company with 90 trappers; Rocky Mountain Fur Company with 100 men; several smaller fur companies and numerous free trappers joined 120 lodges of Nez Perce and 80 lodges of Flatheads. Trappers Jim Bridger, Nathaniel Wyeth, Joe Meek, Alexander and Preset Sinclair, Thomas Fitzpatrick, Robert Campbell, and three Sublette brothers were present.
On July 17 a battle ensued between trappers and Gros Ventres. Indians took refuge behind a barricade southwest of here, then escaped at night leaving 26 dead. The trappers and allies lost 13 men.

Erected by Upper Snake River Valley Historical Society and Teton Valley Residents.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Native Americans • Wars, US Indian. A significant historical date for this entry is July 17, 1832.

Location. 43° 42.432′ N, 111° 6.636′ W. Marker is near Driggs, Idaho, in Teton County. Marker is on State Highway 33 near Creekside Meadows Avenue, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 118 Idaho Highway 33, Driggs ID 83422, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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At least 7 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Teton County Veterans Memorial (approx. 1.2 miles away); John Colter (approx. 1.2 miles away); Pierre's Hole (approx. 1.6 miles away); Tetonia School Bell (approx. 2½ miles away); Fordson Tractor (approx. 2½ miles away); Teton Range (approx. 5.9 miles away); a different marker also named John Colter (approx. 5.9 miles away).

Also see . . . Battle of Pierre's Hole - History.Net. The trappers and Indians partook copiously of Sublette’s little square kegs of pure alcohol. Because it was unlawful to give or sell liquor to Indians, Sublette had gotten a ‘passport’ in St. Louis to carry up to 450 gallons of whiskey ‘for the special use of his boatmen.’ That was purest nonsense, of course, since Sublette came overland and had no boatmen. At the rendezvous, nobody cared how the alcohol got to Pierre’s Hole. Most of the men present simply enjoyed it, got gloriously drunk and found cooperative Indian women. (Submitted on September 18, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 23, 2017

2. Pierre's Hole Rendezvous and Battle Marker

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 23, 2017

3. Pierre's Hole Rendezvous and Battle Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on September 18, 2017. It was originally submitted on September 18, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 952 times since then and 284 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 18, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.