Idaho wagon train massacres

While traveling in Idaho, we ran into a group of wagons doing a reenactment of the Oregon Trail days.

Those on the wagon train reported how much fun they were having. It was a far cry from two wagon trains that ended as massacres while in Idaho, the Ward train and the Van Ornum/Utter trains.

The trains crossed the Snake River at a place that was shallow enough and where the rushing river was still about 60 miles east of Boise. You can still see ruts at the river crossing.

The ward group in 1854 consisted of 20 people and five wagons. While in the Boise Valley they were attacked by Indians from the Snake and Shoshone tribes, and in the skirmish 18 in the group were killed. Two boys survived the event. A memorial park has formed in Middleton in memory of those killed in the attack.

The Van Ornum party left Wisconsin in 1860 and was joined by the Utter group a short time later.

The joint parties had 18 men, five women and 21 children, plus about 100 animals, mostly cattle.

The group was approached by members of the Snake and other tribes. The parties offered the Indians food and they departed.

About a mile further, the groups were attacked and several were killed along with two soldiers who had joined the groups at Ft. Hall.

Many of the wagon trains went through Idaho for destinations in Oregon and Washington.

There are a number of places in Idaho where you still can see the ruts made by the wheels of the wagons.