The Fort Bridger Treaty of 1868 was the last treaty council used to establish a Native American reservation; subsequent reservations were created by executive order.
Key Facts
- Year signed
- 1868
- Also known as
- Shoshone Bannock Treaty
- Primary affected group
- Shoshone (Shoshoni / Snake)
- Reservation established
- Fort Hall Reservation
- Last treaty of its kind
- Last council to establish a reservation by treaty
Location
Cause → Event → Consequence
The United States government sought to formalize relations with the Shoshone people and define reservation boundaries through treaty negotiations, continuing a practice of diplomacy with Native American nations that had been employed throughout the nineteenth century.
The Fort Bridger Treaty Council of 1868, also called the Great Treaty Council, brought together U.S. representatives and Shoshone leaders at Fort Bridger to negotiate and sign the Fort Bridger Treaty, establishing the Fort Hall Reservation and settling land rights for the Shoshone and Bannock peoples.
The treaty established the Fort Hall Reservation, and it marked the end of formal treaty-making for reservation creation; future reservations were thereafter established by presidential executive order. Residents of the Fort Hall Reservation later became involved in the Bannock Wars of 1878 and 1895.
Political Outcome
Established the Fort Hall Reservation for the Shoshone and Bannock peoples; marked the last use of a treaty council to create a reservation.
Shoshone lands undefined by formal treaty
Shoshone and Bannock confined to Fort Hall Reservation under treaty terms