Preston in Franklin County, Idaho — The American West (Mountains)
Bear River Massacre
Photographed by Jeremy Snow, June 22, 2025
1. Bear River Massacre Marker
In memory of the estimated 400 men, women, and children of the Northwestern Shoshone Nation who were brutally massacred in this vicinity on January 29, 1863, by the United States Army California Volunteers from Fort Douglas, Utah, under the command of Colonel Patrick E. Connor. The attack took place in the early morning hours against a group of people with limited defense and without peaceful means first being sought when a conflict arose. As a result of the encounter, 23 soldiers died. Chief Sagwitch and other survivors joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, established a thriving farming community known as Washakie, and many helped build the Logan Temple.
Erected 2021 by Franklin Company Daughters of Utah Pioneers. (Marker Number 590.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Wars, US Indian. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of Utah Pioneers series list. A significant historical date for this entry is January 29, 1863.
Location. 42° 8.447′ N, 111° 54.671′ W. Marker is in Preston, Idaho, in Franklin County. It is on U.S. 91.
this page online
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 walking distance of this marker: Bear River Massacre Monument (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named 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.
Another marker is no longer nearby. The Battle of Bear River (was here, next to this marker but has been permanently removed).
More about this marker. This marker replaced the Sons of
Photographed by Jeremy Snow, June 22, 2025
2. Bear River Massacre Marker
Photographed by Jeremy Snow, June 22, 2025
3. Bear River Massacre Marker
Bear River Massacre Site has been designated a National Historic Landmark. This site possesses national significance in commemorating the history of the United States of America.
1990
National Park Service, United States Department of the Interior
1990
National Park Service, United States Department of the Interior
Credits. This page was last revised on July 6, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 2, 2025, by Jeremy Snow of Cedar City, Utah. This page has been viewed 275 times since then and 89 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 2, 2025, by Jeremy Snow of Cedar City, Utah. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
