My Journey to Fort Hall: A Land of History and Resilience
My visit to the Fort Hall Reservation in Idaho was a very interesting and enlightening experience. It was a chance to learn firsthand how the arrival of pioneers moving west forever changed the landscape and the way of life for people who had lived here for thousands of years.
This journey was more than just a trip; it was an education in the deep history, the powerful resilience, and the vibrant modern culture of the Shoshone-Bannock people.
This guide is born from that experience, designed to help you explore this sovereign nation with the respect and understanding it deserves.
Understanding the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes: A Sovereign Nation
The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes of the Fort Hall Reservation are a federally recognized sovereign nation, a distinction that grants them the inherent right to self-governance.
In the Shoshone language, the reservation is known as Pohoko’ikkatee.
It is crucial for any visitor to understand that they are entering a self-governing nation with its own laws, culture, and community.
Three Tribes, One Nation: The Shoshone, Bannock, and Sheepeater
The reservation is home to three distinct but related tribal groups: the Shoshone, the Bannock, and the Sheepeater Band.
The Bannock, originally Northern Paiute, moved eastward from Oregon and allied with the Shoshone, adopting an equestrian, buffalo-hunting culture.
The Sheepeater band, a mix of Bannock and Shoshone people, traditionally lived in the Salmon River Mountains, hunting mountain sheep.
From Ancestral Lands to the Fort Hall Reservation
Before the reservation, the Shoshone and Bannock peoples’ ancestral lands were vast, stretching across a huge territory from Canada to Mexico, including parts of Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Utah, and Oregon.
They were traditionally hunters and gatherers, following the seasons to hunt buffalo and other game, fish for salmon, and gather vital roots like the camas bulb.
The introduction of the horse in the 1700s revolutionized their way of life, allowing for greater mobility and more effective buffalo hunts.
A Difficult History: Conflict, Treaties, and the Fight for Survival
The Oregon Trail and the Strain on Tribal Lands
The establishment of Fort Hall as a trading post in the 1830s marked a turning point.
It soon became a critical stop on the Oregon, California, and Lander Trails, bringing a massive influx of pioneers across tribal lands.
This sudden migration strained the natural resources, depleted the game, and created immense tension between the tribes and the settlers.
The 1863 Bear River Massacre: A Defining Tragedy
These tensions culminated in one of the deadliest massacres of Native Americans in U.S. history.
In January 1863, the U.S. Army, under Colonel Patrick Edward Connor, attacked a Shoshone winter camp, killing more than 400 people, including many women and children.
This brutal event was a catalyst for the federal government’s push to confine the tribes to reservations, separating them from the westward expansion routes.
The Fort Bridger Treaty and a Promise of Land
The Fort Hall Reservation was officially established by the Fort Bridger Treaty of 1868, which set aside 1.8 million acres as a permanent home for the Shoshone and Bannock people.
However, this promise was not kept. Through a series of survey errors, land cessions for railroads and towns like Pocatello, and the devastating Dawes Act of 1887 which broke up communal land, the reservation was reduced to its current size of just over 500,000 acres.
Planning Your Visit to Fort Hall: A Guide to Respectful Tourism
Essential Etiquette: How to Visit with Respect
It is a privilege to visit the Fort Hall Reservation. Remember that you are entering a sovereign nation and a living community—it is a home, not a theme park.
- Ask Permission: Always ask for permission before taking photographs of people or their homes.
- Support Local: Purchase arts, crafts, and services from tribally-owned businesses to directly support the local economy.
- Respect Boundaries: Be aware that some areas may be off-limits to protect cultural sites, private residences, or the local ecology.
Getting There: Location and Directions
The Fort Hall Reservation is located in southeastern Idaho, situated between the cities of Pocatello, American Falls, and Blackfoot.
The main community of Fort Hall is easily accessible from Interstate 15 at Exit 80.
Important: Fort Hall Reservation vs. The Fort Hall Replica in Pocatello
A common point of confusion for visitors must be clarified. The Fort Hall Indian Reservation is the large, sovereign territory of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes.
The Fort Hall Replica, a historical reconstruction of the 19th-century trading post, is located approximately 20 miles south within the Ross Park Complex in the city of Pocatello.
Be sure to confirm your destination’s address before you travel.
Things to Do and See at the Fort Hall Reservation
Your First Stop: The Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Museum
The essential first stop for any visitor is the Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Museum.
It offers a comprehensive look at tribal history from their perspective, with exhibits on the Oregon Trail, artifacts from the original Fort Hall, and stunning displays of beadwork and cultural items.
- Hours: Open 10 am to 6 pm from April to October, and 10 am to 5 pm from November to March.
- Admission: There is a small admission fee; tribal members with ID are free.
The Annual Shoshone-Bannock Indian Festival (Every August)
Held annually on the second weekend of August, the Shoshone-Bannock Indian Festival is one of the largest cultural gatherings in the region.
This four-day celebration of culture features a powwow with traditional dancing, an All-Indian Rodeo, and numerous arts and crafts vendors. The public is welcome to attend and witness this vibrant event.
Entertainment at the Shoshone-Bannock Casino Hotel
The Shoshone-Bannock Casino Hotel is a major entertainment destination on the reservation, located conveniently off I-15.
It features over 900 electronic gaming machines, high-stakes bingo, and the Chiefs Event Center, which hosts concerts and comedy shows.
It is important to note that the Fort Hall Reservation is a dry reservation; alcohol is only permitted for purchase and consumption within the casino hotel complex.
Where to Buy Authentic, World-Class Beadwork
The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes are renowned for their museum-quality beadwork and brain-tanned buckskin.
To purchase authentic, locally made arts and crafts, visit The Clothes Horse or the gift shop inside the Shoshone-Bannock Hotel.
Visitor’s Quick-Reference Guide
| Attraction/Event | Location | Hours/Dates | Cost/Admission | Key Highlight |
| Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Museum | Fort Hall Reservation, near Exit 80 off I-15 | Apr-Oct: 10am-6pm; Nov-Mar: 10am-5pm | Small admission fee; Tribal members free | The essential first stop to learn tribal history and see authentic artifacts. |
| Shoshone-Bannock Casino Hotel | Fort Hall Reservation, I-15 Exit 80 | Open 24/7 | Free to enter | Premier destination for gaming, dining, and live entertainment. |
| Shoshone-Bannock Indian Festival | Fort Hall Powwow Arbor | Second weekend of August, annually | Small admission fee | Major 4-day cultural celebration with powwow, rodeo, and vendors. Public welcome. |
| The Fort Hall Replica | 3000 Avenue of the Chiefs, Pocatello (Ross Park) | Varies by season (check website) | Admission fee applies | A historical reconstruction of the 19th-century trading post, located in Pocatello. |
The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes Today: Economy, Governance, and Culture
An Economic Engine for Eastern Idaho
Today, the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes are a major economic force in the region.
They are a top employer in eastern Idaho, generating over 4,400 jobs and contributing more than $400 million annually to the local economy.
Key industries include agriculture, with crop revenues from wheat and potatoes exceeding $125 million annually, as well as gaming and various tribal enterprises like gas stations and a grocery store.
Self-Governance and Community Services
The tribes are a self-governing sovereign nation, with a seven-member elected business council that oversees all tribal operations.
The tribal government provides comprehensive services for its nearly 6,000 enrolled members, including departments for health and human services, education programs like Head Start and vocational rehabilitation, and cultural preservation efforts.
Protecting the Land: Environmental Stewardship
The tribes also face modern challenges, including the ongoing environmental cleanup of a Superfund site created by a former phosphate mining operation on reservation land.
This has led the tribes to develop significant expertise in environmental management as they work to remediate the land and advocate for the protection of their clean air and water resources.
Frequently Asked Questions about Visiting Fort Hall
Final Thoughts: Why a Visit to Fort Hall is an Essential American Experience
My visit to Fort Hall was a profound reminder that history is not just in the past; it is a living, breathing force that shapes the present.
The story of the Shoshone-Bannock people is one of immense hardship, broken promises, and incredible resilience. By visiting their home, learning their history at the tribal museum, and supporting their community, you gain a deeper, more honest understanding of the American West.
It is an experience that I highly recommend to any thoughtful traveller
A magnificent natural landmark I visited in the area was Shoshone Falls. A must see.
