January 29, 1863---The Bear River Massacre

JANUARY 29, 1863:            

The Bear River Massacre  (The Battle of Bear River; The Massacre at Boa Ogoi).  Units of the California Volunteer Infantry attack the Shoshone at Willow Valley in Idaho. There had been ongoing tension between white settlers (mainly Mormons) and local Shoshone, who were starving as their game was being killed off in the area. It was decided to rid the area of the Indians. In the ensuing battle about 15 whites were killed. Some 500 Shoshone were killed, including the women, most of whom were raped and mutilated before being slain, and the children, who were likewise violated before being slaughtered.