Washakie
1804–1900
|
O.O. HOWARD AND WASHAKIE |
While little is known about Washakie’s early life, tradition tells that the
Native American was born to a Shoshone mother, Lost Woman, and a Umatilla
father, Crooked Leg. Washakie met his first white men in 1811, when a party of
fur trappers, seven months late for their scheduled arrival at Fort Astoria,
approached Crooked Leg to ask for horses. Washakie’s father refused, agreeing
only to sell them some dried fish and four dogs. Crooked Leg was later killed
in 1824 by a band of Pigeon Blackfoot during a raid on a Shoshone hunting camp.
Yet despite the loss of their leader, the Shoshone emerged victorious, and at
the conclusion of the conflict several Blackfeet tribes agreed to ally with the
superior warriors. By the late nineteenth century, Washakie was made head chief
of the Eastern Snakes, another branch of Shoshone, and after Custer’s defeat at
Little Bighorn, he led his people in retaliation against the Sioux. His actions
earned him recognition by the U.S. Government, making him the only Native
American to receive such an honor. Washakie also worked closely with trappers
and traders, including the famous Jim Bridger, who later married his daughter.
The chief learned French and English from those he met, and his kindness toward
the frontiersmen translated into a close relationship with U.S. officials as
well.
In 1863 and 1868, Washakie signed treaties with the U.S. that designated a three
million acre area around Utah and Oregon—the Wind River Reservation—for use by
the native peoples. The Fort Bridger treaties also established the Shoshone and
Bannock Indian Agency. The land was later reduced by 800,000 acres, but even
today it remains the home of the Eastern Shoshone. Washakie had always been a
close friend of Brigham Young, and after the minister’s death he joined the
Mormon Church. Only a few years later, however, John Roberts, an Episcopalian,
came to the reservation to establish a school for Indian girls. He quickly
gained Washakie’s trust, and by 1897 the chief had converted to Robert’s
religion and was baptized again. Washakie’s skill in battle, as well as his
efforts toward peace and his dedication to his people’s well-being, made him one
of the most respected leaders in Native American history, and upon his death in
1900 he became the only Indian to be given a full military funeral.
Key events during the life of Washakie:
Year |
Event |
1804 |
Born. |
1811 |
A party of trappers came to the Shoshone camp. |
1824 |
Father was killed during a Blackfoot raid. |
1863 |
Signed the Frot Bridger Treaty. |
1868 |
Signed a second treaty at Fort Bridger. |
1880 |
Joined the Church of the Jesus Christ of the Latter-day Saints. |
1883 |
John Roberts arrived to minister to the Shoshone and Arapahos. |
1897 |
Converted to the Episcopalian religion. |
1900 |
Died. |
Other Resources
Contemporary |
Short Biography |
Brigham Young |
Leader of the Church of Latter Day Saints after the death of Smith. Led the Mormans to Utah. |
Sitting Bull |
Medicine man who organized resistance to U.S. Army. His warriors defeated Custer at Little Bighorn. |
Chief Joseph |
Led Nez Perces in a resistance against the encroachment of white settlers. Finally surrendered. |