The 1868 Fort Bridger Treaty with the Eastern Band of Shoshone and Bannock stands as a pivotal, though often fraught, document in the history of the American West. Forged amidst a landscape of westward expansion, resource competition, and escalating conflict between the United States government and indigenous populations, this treaty sought to establish a framework for peaceful coexistence between the Eastern Band of Shoshone and Bannock tribes and the burgeoning American settlements. This article delves into the historical context, key provisions, and enduring legacy of this important agreement.
Background and Context:
The mid-19th century witnessed an unrelenting wave of American settlers pushing westward, drawn by the promise of land, gold, and opportunity. This expansion inevitably encroached upon the traditional territories of Native American tribes, leading to increased competition for resources, disruption of traditional lifeways, and ultimately, violent clashes. The Shoshone and Bannock peoples, who inhabited a vast territory encompassing parts of present-day Wyoming, Idaho, Utah, and Montana, were particularly impacted by this influx.
Prior to the 1868 Fort Bridger Treaty with the Eastern Band of Shoshone and Bannock, various attempts had been made to negotiate agreements with these tribes, but these efforts often proved inadequate or short-lived. The escalating tensions and the desire to secure safe passage for settlers along the Oregon Trail and other routes spurred the U.S. government to initiate further negotiations. Fort Bridger, located in the Utah Territory, served as the chosen site for these crucial discussions, a place familiar to both the tribes and the government representatives.
Negotiations and Signatories:
The treaty negotiations took place in the summer of 1868, culminating in the signing of the agreement on July 3rd of that year. Representing the United States government were a distinguished panel of commissioners, including:
- N.G. Taylor
- Lieutenant-General W.T. Sherman
- Wm. S. Harney
- John B. Sanborn
- S.F. Tappan
- Brevet Major-General C.C. Augur
- Brigadier-General and Brevet Major-General Alfred H. Terry
These figures held significant authority within the U.S. government and military, underscoring the importance placed on securing a lasting agreement.
On behalf of the Shoshone and Bannock tribes, prominent chiefs and headmen affixed their marks to the treaty, signifying their commitment to its terms. Notable among these leaders were:
- Washakie (Shoshone)
- Taggee (Bannock)
The presence of these influential tribal leaders was essential to ensuring the treaty’s legitimacy and the adherence of their respective communities to its provisions.
Key Provisions of the Treaty:
The 1868 Fort Bridger Treaty with the Eastern Band of Shoshone and Bannock encompassed a range of articles designed to address issues of peace, land, resources, and governance. Some of the most significant provisions included:
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Establishment of Peace: Article 1 explicitly declared a commitment to perpetual peace between the parties. Both the U.S. government and the tribes pledged to uphold this peace and to address any wrongs committed by individuals on either side through legal channels. The article outlined procedures for reporting and punishing offenders, as well as for reimbursing victims for losses sustained.
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Reservation Lands: Article 2 addressed the crucial issue of land. It stipulated that the Bannock tribe would be granted a reservation within their existing territory should they desire one, or should the President deem it advisable. For the Shoshone, the treaty formally established a designated reservation, a specific geographic area set aside for their "absolute and undisturbed use and occupation." This reservation was defined by precise geographical boundaries, encompassing a significant portion of present-day Wyoming. The United States pledged to prevent unauthorized individuals from entering or residing on this territory. In return, the Shoshone relinquished their claims to other lands within the United States.
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Infrastructure Development: Article 3 outlined the U.S. government’s commitment to constructing various buildings and facilities on the Shoshone reservation. These included a warehouse, an agency building, a residence for a physician, and buildings for essential personnel such as a carpenter, farmer, blacksmith, miller, and engineer. A schoolhouse was also promised, contingent upon the agent’s success in encouraging children to attend. Furthermore, the treaty stipulated the construction of a steam-powered circular-saw mill with a grist-mill and shingle-machine, designed to support economic development on the reservation.
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Settlement and Hunting Rights: Article 4 stipulated that the tribes would make the reservations their permanent home when the promised buildings were constructed. While committing to a settled lifestyle, the treaty also acknowledged the importance of hunting to their traditional way of life, granting them the right to hunt on unoccupied lands of the United States as long as game was available and peace prevailed.
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Agency and Governance: Article 5 established the role of a U.S. government agent who would reside at the Shoshone agency building and oversee affairs on both the Shoshone and Bannock reservations. The agent was tasked with investigating complaints, facilitating communication, and ensuring the faithful implementation of the treaty stipulations.
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Land Allotment and Civilization: Articles 6, 7, and 8 aimed to encourage assimilation and agricultural development. Article 6 allowed individual tribal members to select and cultivate tracts of land within the reservation, effectively establishing a system of individual land ownership. Article 7 emphasized the importance of education, requiring children between the ages of six and sixteen to attend school. The U.S. government pledged to provide teachers and schoolhouses to facilitate this education. Article 8 provided for the distribution of seeds and agricultural implements to those who engaged in farming.
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Annuities and Provisions: Article 9 replaced previous treaty obligations with a system of annual provisions. For a period of thirty years, the U.S. government committed to delivering specific articles of clothing to each tribal member, based on age and gender. Additionally, an annual appropriation was designated for each Indian, with a higher amount allocated to those engaged in agriculture.
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Protection of Land Rights: Article 11 sought to safeguard tribal land rights by requiring the consent of a majority of adult male Indians for any cession of reservation lands held in common. It also protected the individual land rights of those who had selected tracts under Article 6.
Impact and Legacy:
The 1868 Fort Bridger Treaty with the Eastern Band of Shoshone and Bannock represented a complex and often contradictory attempt to reconcile the interests of the U.S. government and the indigenous peoples of the region. While it ostensibly aimed to establish peace and provide for the welfare of the tribes, its implementation was often marred by broken promises, inadequate resources, and a fundamental misunderstanding of tribal cultures and values.
Despite the treaty’s shortcomings, it remains a significant historical document that continues to shape the relationship between the Shoshone and Bannock tribes and the United States government. The reservation established by the treaty serves as the foundation for the modern-day Wind River Reservation in Wyoming, home to the Eastern Shoshone Tribe and the Northern Arapaho Tribe (who were later added to the reservation). The treaty’s provisions regarding land rights, resource management, and self-governance continue to be debated and litigated in the present day.
The legacy of the treaty is a reminder of the complex and often tragic history of U.S.-Native American relations. It highlights the importance of honoring treaty obligations, respecting tribal sovereignty, and working towards a more just and equitable future for all.
