Wagon Train Detail

by Unknown

Title

Wagon Train Detail

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Unknown

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Photograph - Photograph

Description

Wagon Train by unknown

Contrary to Hollywood depictions and popular myths that portray the natives in a negative light as savages, mercilessly victimizing pioneers, the historical record presents a different story. In fact, sustained attacks by Indians on wagon trains were rare and encounters between Indians and emigrants were, more often, peaceful and mutually advantageous.

One of the common scenes in western films shows circled wagon trains under attack by Indians. However, pioneers circled their wagons at night mostly to keep their draft animals from wandering off, not protect against an ambush.

A study by historian John Unruh concluded that just over 360 emigrants were killed as a result of Indian attacks along the trail between 1840 and 1860 – most them during the 1850s. In comparison, he estimates that more than 425 Indians were killed by emigrants during the same period.

Instead of violent conflict, most Indians were helpful and generally friendly – providing needed supplies for the pioneers, operating ferries across the many rivers along the trail, helping to manage livestock, and acting as guides.

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February 14th, 2020

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