The Hot Springs have always been located in
the “Warm Valley”, long before the Eastern Band of Shoshone
moved here. After Chief Washakie and sub-chiefs signed the Ft.
Bridger Treaty of 1883, they immediately built a bathhouse at the
Hot Springs. Washakie frequently talked about the springs where
he and his people had spent so much time. They drank it and
bathed in it to relieve aches and pains.
To the Shoshone people, the springs were a healing water for the sickly and elderly. However,
they knew that the Hot Springs would always be there, the Shoshone. Feared
by the springs, they would not go near it during the night because they believed
that the healing water had supernatural powers. Not only did the Shoshone
people own the Hot Springs near Ft. Washakie but another Hot Springs located
96 miles north at what is now Thermopolis, Wyoming. Since both Hot Springs
were located on the Shoshone Reservation, the United States Government had plans
to buy back some land that contained one of the springs that they had given to
the Shoshone.
James McLaughlin, United States Inspector was sent to the Wind River Indian Reservation
in 1896 to negotiate with the Shoshone for the sale of ten square miles of land
including Hot Springs in Thermopolis, Wyoming.
He then told the Shoshone that the United States Government would pay them $60,000.00
for that land. When he had finished, Chief Washakie arose and said: “Now
you will hear what I have to say. Many years ago, I used to live near Ft.
Bridger. There was a man like you, who came to see me and he asked, “Where
is your country? Is it here, is it there, or is it over the mountains? Where
are the Hot Springs?” After me and my people moved to the “Warm
Valley”, we stayed here. Then all the game began to disappear, that’s
when I told my agent to write to the Great White Father in Washington and tell
him that me and my people have decided to sell the larger Hot Springs below Owl
Creek. I was afraid a little, but the smaller Hot Springs near the agency
is enough for me, my people, and the soldiers.”
Then in 1957, it was made into an attractive
swimming pool with modern facilities at a cost of $250,000.00 and
a new name called, the Chief Washakie Plunge. Chief
Washakie Plunge is located 3 miles east of Fort Washakie and is open year round. |
© EASTERN SHOSHONE TRIBE
Views of Chief Washakie Plunge.
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 |
