An important battle was fought in 1866 between
the Eastern Band of Shoshone and Crow Indians. As the years passed,
game became scarce throughout the plains, especially along the routes
traveled by the white settlers. Several tribes depended on the Wind
River Valley for their supply of meat, which made things difficult
for the Eastern Band of Shoshone because this was their traditional
hunting grounds.
With the powerful strength of the Eastern Band of Shoshone and under
the leadership of Chief Washakie, other tribes would combine forces
before entering the Wind River Country. However, the leader of the
crow tribe, Chief Big Robber still considered his tribe equal or
more powerful than the Eastern Band of Shoshone. Upon learning that
the crow were camped along the Wind River not far from Crowheart
Butte, Washakie sent a Shoshone scout along with his wife to give
word that they may hunt in the territory of the Owl Creek Range while
his Shoshone people hunted the Wind River Range. As the scout and
wife arrived at the crowís camp, they signified that they
were approaching on a peaceful mission.
The crows replied by killing
the Shoshone
scout and sending a message back with his wife stating that they
were prepared to go into battle and they would hunt wherever they
please.
Washakie immediately sent word of what had taken place to Chief Tigee
of the Bannocks who were camped along the Popo Agie River, a few
miles to the south. Shortly afterwards, Tigee joined forces with
Washakie in an attempt to attack the crow camp. Both forces (Shoshone & Bannock
and Crow) proved to be evenly matched, that as the battle continued
into the fifth day, it was apparent that either side was able to
gain an advantage. Many warriors were being lost during the battle
and it was finally agreed that Washakie and Big Robber would fight
a duel and as far as the loser was concerned, the tribe with the
victorious chief would have the right to claim the Wind River Valley.
Both tribes sent their chief away with disguised emotions, cheering
them on to victory with shouts of encouragement while realizing that
one of them would not return alive. The battle took place at a safe
distance, away from both tribes in order to be certain that there
would not be any interference. With their own lives on the line and
what it holds for their people, both chiefs mounted on their horses.
Carrying a lance and a shield made of tough hide taken from an old
bull buffalo, Washakie took his position while Big Robber took his.
Members of both tribes were silent and tense.
Although the excitement
was at high stakes, members of each tribe looked on without interference.
As the battle raged back and forth, it soon became impossible for
Big Robber to overcome the powerful force of Washakie.
In victory, Washakie was impressed with the bravery of Big Robber
and instead of taking his scalp; he cut out his heart and placed
it on the end of his lance.
During the Crowheart Butte Battle, a crow girl was captured and was
later to become the wife of Chief Washakie. |
 © Wyoming’s
Wind River Country
A view of Crowheart Butte.
Eastern
Shoshone Home
Chief Washakie
Sacajawea
Crowheart
Butte Battle of 1866
The Old Block
House
Chief Washakie
Plunge
(Hot Springs)
Education on the Wind River Reservation |
