Last updated: January 15, 2023
Place
Lander Road Cutoff- Idaho Junction
Quick Facts
Location:
17 miles east of Fort Hall, Idaho and the Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Business Center
Significance:
The Lander Road of the California Trail rejoined the main branch of the combined Oregon and California Trails 17 miles east of Fort Hall, Idaho. It avoided the dry, summer desert conditions of southern Wyoming, providing emigrants with more food and water for both their livestock and themselves.
Designation:
Fort Hall Indian Reservation
MANAGED BY:
"The ceremonies were witnessed by over 300 emigrants who happened to be near at the time. The Indians were then informed...the presents that they were to receive were given them because they had been friendly to the white men, and recommended that their friendship should continue. Col Landers then addressed the emigrants, telling them to treat the Indians kindly, and live in peace together."
-Albert Bierstadt, July 5, 1859
The end of the Lander Road's construction between Burnt Ranch, Wyoming, and Fort Hall, Idaho did not mean the end of the project. One item still had to be done- negotiate with the Native American Tribes whose land it was built on for the right of way. In 1859, Lander brought wagon loads of goods to give to the Shoshone, Bannock, and other Tribes in exchange for the privilege of crossing their land peacefully. On July 3, at the Green River crossing in what is today Wyoming, a celebration was held to disperse gifts to the Shoshone and to celebrate the 4th of July. The peaceful, festive celebration was attended by about 800 Shoshone, 300 emigrants (who happened to be in the area), and the soldiers and cavalrymen of Lander's command that were traveling with him.
A feast was had, gifts were handed out, and speeches were made. Lander spoke directly to the Shoshone and then to the emigrants (partially quoted above). Contrary to the expected views at that time, Lander instructed the emigrants to have their interactions with the local Native Americans be cautious. They should treat the Native Americans kindly and to live in peace with them. The celebration extended into the night and concluded the following day.
Several Additional celebrations and gatherings were held throughout the year with the same purpose of distributing gifts to Native Americans and negotiating with them to cross their land peacefully. In terms of Lander obtaining the needed right-of-way agreements, the negotiations were successful, concluding the first US government-sponsored trail section for the Oregon and the California Trails.
Image Credit
1. Upper Left- An image of the second Fort Hall built in 1870. National Archives / William Henry Jackson
2. Lower Left- The original 1834 Fort Hall. Painting by Bethel Farley; made using an Idaho Highway Planning Survey image of the Fort. National Archives
3. Photography of Bannock Tribal members by a wickiup (a seasonal housing structure) taken in 1871. NPS / Yellowstone’s Photo Collection
Site Information
Location (17 miles east of Fort Hall, Idaho and the Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Business Center)
Safety Considerations