Documentary: Washakie: Last Chief of the Shoshone

Washakie made his historical claim to greatness as chief of the Eastern Shoshone.  As such his territory ranged from eastern Wyoming, through southern Idaho and into Utah.  He served as chief for over 50 years.  He had been a warrior, leader and diplomat.  He was born in 1804, but farther north.  His father was of the Salish tribe and his mother Lemhi Shoshone.  As a young man he was with his father.  His father was killed by Blackfeet.  Washakie survived.  A man told him he was to be a leader.  The man was surrounded by light and disappeared.  Shortly a group of Lemhi Shoshone, speaking his mother's language, found him.  He became art of his mother's tribe.  He was trained by them.  He also lived amongst the Bannock.  They were more aggressive and warring.  During this period he got his name Washakie which was a distorted name for the rattle he used to spook the horses of his enemy.  

He would make his name in the Wind River Valley.  The Shoshone hand sign was that of the snake.  Common language with Utes, Paiutes, Comanche and Aztecs.  Horses increased the mobility of the Shoshone and they became much more powerful.  Washakie participated in several raids.  He followed initials, but eventually became the leader.  He was a good friend of Jim Bridger who promoted Washakie.

Washakie ruled in a time of tremendous upheaval with clashing cultures competing for limited resources.  Many groups coveted the Wind River area.  Washakie attended the Laramie Treaty of 1851 at great risk to his own life.  They were in Sioux territory.  However this treaty did not include the Shoshone.  Wind River was Crow territory even though the Crow and Shoshone shared this area.  There was a small battle between Crow and Shoshone and Washakie killed a Crow chief.

The Sioux were hostile during the early 60s.  The Shoshone were ambushed and lost many horses, and Washakie's son was killed.  The mourning period reportedly caused Washakie's hair to turn white.  Many left Washakie to follow other bands.  However after the Bear River Massacre many Shoshone returned to him.

It wasn't until the treaty of 1868 that established Wind Rivers as the reservation for the Shoshone.  Washakie was always a force for peace.  

Washakie lived to be an old man.  He died in 1900 at age 96 and is buried in Fort Washakie.