The History of the
Bear River Massacre
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The Bear River Massacre doesn’t trap us in death. As we tell the stories of these people, as we remember their sacrifice, it allows us to build a resiliency that keeps us moving on and moving forward.
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Join historian and former chairman of the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation, Darren Parry, as he recounts the details leading up to and during the Bear River Massacre. At this site near Preston, Idaho, more than 450 Native Americans lost their lives in 1863 during an hours-long altercation with the U.S. military. The present-day site honors those lives and their legacies, urging future generations to learn from the past.
“The story of the Bear River Massacre isn’t for the faint of heart…but it’s a story we can learn from.”
Visiting the Bear River Massacre Site
Designated as a National Historic Landmark, the Bear River Massacre Site encompasses two areas for visitors to learn more.
The Stories of Idaho
From museums and historical sites to unique events, learn more about the diverse cultures that shape Idaho.