Major Benjamin Alvord discusses Eastern Oregon Settlement, 1853

In 1853, the former Superintendent of Indian Affairs of Oregon Anson Dart had been forced to resign as none of his nineteen treaties with the tribes were ratified. Joel Palmer took this position in late May. Palmer was already a well-healed politician, and probably knew most people in Oregon at the time, and had previously had many dealings with the tribes. In the summer of 1853 Palmer was engaged with trying to get a  handle on the many issues with the tribes, mainly those in Southern Oregon captivated his attention. The months before his appointment the US Army was the … Continue reading Major Benjamin Alvord discusses Eastern Oregon Settlement, 1853

War Against the Paiutes, Eastern Oregon 1867-68

Previously in my posts, I have noted details of the history and culture Paiute peoples of the Great Basin, mainly eastern Oregon. These peoples were hundreds of tribes and bands in Oregon, Nevada, Idaho, California and the surrounding Great basin areas. They were so numerous we may never know the full extent of their collective territories. The bands and tribes operated as autonomous political organizations, sometimes they had alliances with other bands. They are variously called Snake Indians, Bannock, Northern Paiute, or Shoshone in articles and publications. The major settlement of Paiute territory really begins in earnest in the 1860s … Continue reading War Against the Paiutes, Eastern Oregon 1867-68