Native Americans

Native Americans. . Archaeological findings suggest Native Americans once inhabited this area as early as 12,000 years ago. These indigenous people survived for centuries, eventually forming tribal bands. The most noted of these tribes was the Shoshone. , , The Shoshone were seen camped along the banks of the Weber River, sometimes, in groups as large as 1,500 people. They fished using spears, gill nets, and basket traps. , , They were also skilled at snaring and hunting the abundant local wild game. Wildlife, such as grouse, owls, muskrats, squirrels, beaver, elk, porcupines, bobcats, rabbits, badgers, and bear provided food and other necessities used for daily living. Native plants, such as thistle stems, sagebrush seeds, sego lilies, cattails, and pine seeds were critical to Shoshone survival. , , These people followed a yearly cycle during which they traveled a well-specified route from the desert valleys to this mountainous area. The Shoshone people had reverence for the land, water, and animals. In their view, all things were holy.