The Battle Mountain Reservation stands as one of the six distinct reservations belonging to the Te-Moak Tribe of Western Shoshone Indians of Nevada. It serves as the homeland for the Battle Mountain Band of Te-Moak Shoshone Indians, a community deeply rooted in the history and landscape of central Nevada. This article delves into the details of this unique reservation, exploring its land, tribal affiliation, history, and contemporary life.
A Land of Two Parcels: Geography and Establishment
The Battle Mountain Reservation occupies a strategic location on the western edge of the town of Battle Mountain, Nevada. Its territory is composed of two separate parcels of land, collectively encompassing 683.3 acres. The larger, original parcel, measuring 677.05 acres, was officially established on June 18, 1917, through an Executive Order. This initial designation was intended to provide a land base for the Shoshone people residing near both Winnemucca and Battle Mountain, acknowledging their presence and connection to the region.
Decades later, on August 21, 1967, an Act of Congress further solidified the reservation’s land holdings by adding an additional 6.25 acres. These added acres are referred to as "colony lands," expanding the community’s territorial base and potentially opening avenues for further development. The reservation’s location adjacent to the town of Battle Mountain creates a unique dynamic, blending the traditions of the Te-Moak Shoshone with the broader context of the surrounding Nevada landscape.
Tribal Identity: The Te-Moak Connection
The residents of the Battle Mountain Reservation are primarily affiliated with the Te-Moak Tribe of Western Shoshone Indians of Nevada, specifically the Battle Mountain Band. Historically, this band is known as the Tonomudza band of Newe, the Shoshone term for their people. This connection to the Te-Moak Tribe signifies a broader unity and shared heritage among the various Shoshone communities in the region.
The Te-Moak Tribe’s headquarters are located in Elko, Nevada, serving as the central administrative hub for the entire tribal nation. The Te-Moak Tribal Council holds overarching jurisdiction over all tribal lands, ensuring consistent governance and resource management. However, individual colonies like the Battle Mountain Colony retain significant sovereignty over their own affairs, allowing them to address local needs and priorities with a degree of autonomy.
Within the Battle Mountain Colony, a local tribal council is in place to manage community-specific matters. This council consists of a chairman, a vice-chairman, and five council members, each serving a three-year term of office. This structure allows for representation and decision-making at the local level, ensuring that the needs and voices of the Battle Mountain Band are heard.
The Colony’s organizational structure is rooted in the Indian Reorganization Act of 1934, a pivotal piece of federal legislation that aimed to promote tribal self-governance and economic development. The Battle Mountain Colony ratified its charter under this act on December 12, 1938, formally establishing its legal framework. Further solidifying its governance structure, the colony’s constitution and by-laws were sanctioned on August 26, 1982, providing a detailed set of rules and procedures for community management.
Demographics: Population and Community
The Battle Mountain Reservation is home to a vibrant community, with a current reservation population of approximately 165 residents. The total tribal enrollment for the Battle Mountain Band is 516, encompassing both those living on the reservation and those residing elsewhere. This population reflects the enduring presence of the Te-Moak Shoshone in the region, despite historical challenges and changes.
The Battle Mountain Colony is situated in Lander County, approximately one mile west of the town of Battle Mountain. The town’s location along Interstate 80, roughly halfway between Reno, Nevada, and Salt Lake City, Utah, places the reservation in a geographically significant area. Additionally, Battle Mountain serves as the starting point for Nevada State Route 305, which extends southward to Austin, Nevada, further connecting the community to the wider region.
Historical Context: From Tonomudza to the Present
The history of the Battle Mountain Colony is deeply intertwined with the broader history of the Western Shoshone people and the arrival of European settlers in the region. The Battle Mountain area was historically known to the Newe (Shoshone) as "Tonomudza," marking it as a significant boundary area between the Newe and the Northern Paiutes. This region served as a focal point for traditional hunting practices, particularly rabbit and antelope drives, demonstrating the importance of the land to the indigenous communities.
With the influx of white settlers, the fertile regions along the Humboldt River and its tributaries were increasingly claimed for agricultural and other purposes. This encroachment on traditional lands led to displacement and conflict, impacting the lives and livelihoods of the Shoshone people.
Fur trappers explored the area in the 1820s and 30s, documenting the presence of the Northern Paiute and Shoshone peoples. By 1845, the Emigrant Trail, following the Humboldt River, passed through the area, turning Battle Mountain into a waypoint for westward-bound travelers. According to local legends, the name "Battle Mountain" itself originated from confrontations between the local Indians and early settlers during the 1850s and 60s, reflecting a period of tension and struggle.
The discovery of copper ore in 1866 and the subsequent development of mining operations significantly altered the landscape and the community. The Central Pacific Railroad established a station in Battle Mountain to support the mining activity, leading to the creation of a townsite in 1870 to serve the burgeoning copper and gold mining district. Following the 1880s, the Shoshone continued to reside on the outskirts of the town, with some finding employment at nearby ranches, integrating into the changing economic landscape.
Official recognition of the colony’s land came in 1917, marking a crucial step in securing a land base for the community. During the 1930s, the Colony embarked on a community development project, constructing residential homes and renovating existing structures. This involved purchasing and relocating houses from the Getchell Mine near Winnemucca to the reservation, demonstrating resourcefulness and community collaboration. The Community Building was also renovated, and a playground, park, and picnic grounds were added, enhancing the quality of life for residents.
Mining activities continued to shape the region’s economy. The Copper Canyon Mine operated from 1917 until 1955, with subsequent development of other ore bodies. Open-pit mining commenced in 1967, and placer gold was discovered in 1912. The focus shifted from copper-gold-silver ores to gold-silver ores in 1979. The Fortitude gold-silver skarn body was discovered in 1981, followed by the Surprise gold deposit in 1986, underscoring the area’s rich mineral resources.
In the early 1970s, funds from interstate highway right-of-way leases were used to purchase approximately 17 homes from the Getchell Mines (which had ceased operations) and relocate them to colony lands. The Te-Moak Housing Authority has also played a crucial role in assisting tribal members with obtaining additional housing through various federal programs, addressing the community’s housing needs.
Contemporary Developments: Recent News and the Modern Economy
In a 1979 decision, the Nevada Supreme Court relocated the Lander County seat to Battle Mountain, signifying the town’s growing prominence in the region. In 1992, Chiefs Frank Temoke and Frank Brady famously refused the government’s offer of a payoff under the 1863 Treaty of Ruby Valley at Battle Mountain, highlighting the tribe’s commitment to its land rights and sovereignty.
A 2008 earthquake of 6.3 magnitude caused significant damage to one of the town’s oldest historical buildings, the Lemaire Building, which was subsequently condemned, underscoring the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters. Battle Mountain also hosts the annual "World Human Powered Speed Challenge," a unique event that draws teams from around the world to test the limits of human-powered vehicles on a long, straight stretch of Highway 305.
The town has also faced its share of notoriety. In December 2001, a Washington Post article humorously dubbed Battle Mountain the "Armpit of America." Rather than taking offense, the town embraced the moniker and hosted an annual "Armpit Festival" from 2002-2005, which was sponsored by Old Spice and awarded deodorant-themed prizes to participants, showcasing the town’s sense of humor and resilience.
A meteorite fall was reported near Battle Mountain on August 22, 2012, with twenty-three fragments collected by October 3, 2012, adding to the area’s unique geological history.
Today, the Battle Mountain Reservation is focused on economic development and self-sufficiency. Plans are underway for the construction of a truck stop, which is expected to create new jobs and revenue streams. The Battle Mountain Colony tribal government currently employs about 20 people. The main economic driver for the reservation is its smokeshop/convenience store, which employs approximately six people. Additionally, a newly formed tribal business, the Battle Mountain Filter Service Company, cleans filters for the nearby mines, providing employment for three full-time employees.
Topography and Climate: The Nevada Environment
Battle Mountain is situated at the confluence of the Humboldt and Reese Rivers, in the Humboldt valley between the Shoshone Range to the southeast, the Battle Mountains to the southwest, and the Sheep Creek Range to the north. According to the United States Census Bureau, the community has a total area of 3.6 square miles (9.2 km2), all of it land. The elevation of Battle Mountain is 4,511 ft (1,375 m).
Battle Mountain’s climate is semi-arid, with hot summers and cold winters. The monthly daily average temperature ranges from 30.9°F (-0.6°C) in January to 75.5°F (24.2°C) in July. The area experiences significant temperature variations, with potential for both extreme heat and extreme cold.
Notable Residents: Voices of the Shoshone
Mary Dann and Carrie Dann, Western Shoshone activists from Crescent Valley, are notable residents who have championed cultural and spiritual rights and land rights for their people. Their work has brought attention to the ongoing struggles of the Western Shoshone and their efforts to protect their ancestral lands and traditions.
In conclusion, the Battle Mountain Reservation represents a vital part of the Te-Moak Tribe of Western Shoshone Indians of Nevada. Its history, land, and people reflect a unique blend of tradition and adaptation in the face of changing times.