The Ward Massacre

While doing my marker hunting around the Boise area, I stumbled across the relatively unknown story of the Ward Massacre. Nineteen members of the Ward party traveling on the Oregon Trail in 1854 were attacked and killed by Native Americans with only two young boys surviving. Even though I didn't know much about this event before, it is one that had a large impact on the Boise Valley where I live.

Ward Memorial State Park

Up until the 1850's, pioneers and trappers enjoyed somewhat peaceful trading relations with Indians in southern Idaho. Then a flood of emigrants came through on the Oregon Trail, and local bands blamed these pioneers for the loss of game and outbreaks of diseases. Relations quickly turned hostile, soon spilling into violence. Retaliations took place often, and by 1854, southern Idaho was a dangerous place for both wagon trains and native peoples.

The Ward Memorial

On August 20, 1854, Alexander Ward's party of 20 men, women and children were traveling on the Oregon Trail when they decided to look for a place to water their animals. They were approached by a party of whites and Native Americans. The trade turned ugly and one of the Indians was killed. In retribution, about 60 Indians camped across the river attacked the Ward party. A rescue party from Fort Boise later found and buried their bodies, with only two survivors.

In Sept. of 1854, a U.S. military force set out to avenge their deaths. Three men were subsequently found guilty and hanged, but the Ward Massacre changed the West forever. Soon afterward, the Hudson's Bay Company abandoned the trading posts of Fort Boise and Fort Hall, while the U.S. began to provide armed escorts for travelers. When the Civil War erupted in 1861, troops were pulled out and the use of the trail dropped. It took a large gold strike in the Boise Basin and the establishment of Fort Boise in 1863 to bring settlers back to southern Idaho.

The Ward Massacre was a tragic turn of events that affected the Boise Valley, but to me, the Ward Massacre was a symptom of an even greater tragedy. The treatment of Native Americans in this country by settlers is a shameful, dark stain on American history. History might have turned out differently but both sides resorted to violence. It continues to haunt this country in one way or another.

Links to Learn More:

• Ward Massacre Site - Oregon Trail in Idaho
  
• The Ward Massacre Marker
  

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A Short History of the U.S. Marines

I have the incredible privilege of having several family members who've served in the Armed Forces of the United States. One of those is my cousin, who is current serving in the U.S. Marine Corps. He currently serving overseas, and my family and I are very proud of him. I have always wondered about Marine Corp. history and what important battles they have fought in. So I'd like to dedicate this post to my cousin and all those who have served in the Marines.

The force of military men we now call marines began as amphibious assault and combat troops for ships. The British Royal Navy formed marine regiments from their armies, and their purpose was to attack the enemy with muskets in ship-to-ship combat. They were also part of the landing party for onshore operations. At the time of the Revolutionary War, the Americans adopted the same role for the marines as the British, soldiers detailed for sea service with the primary duties of fighting aboard Navy ships.

The first amphibious assault on foreign soil by U.S. Marines was a raid in the Bahamas in March 1776. Following their formal re-establishment in 1798, the marines took place in operations in Santo Domingo, in Tripoli against the Barbary pirates, and fought in the quasi-war with France. The marines have fought in major operations in almost every war since then, including the War of 1812, with the navy in the Civil War, the Spanish-American War, and World War I.

In World War II, the Marines proved an effective amphibious fighting force in such battles as Guadalcanal, Iwo Jima, and Okinawa. There were over 87,000 Marines killed or wounded in WWII. In the Korean War and the Vietnam War, the Marine Corps. underwent drastic changes and began to develop permanent bases. In recent years, the Marines have participated in operations as part of multinational peacekeeping forces. They took part in Operation Desert Storm in 1991, and landed in Somalia in 1992 for humanitarian relief.

The marines have served to protect American interests all around the world. Most recently, units have fought in Iraq and Afghanistan, and they have taken part in humanitarian efforts with the United Nations in Haiti. I often find myself amazed at the dedication of these troops, and I'm honored to have a family member currently serving.

Links to Learn More:

• Semper Fidelis: The History of the United States Marine Corps
• Marine Corp History
  

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Ten Tips for Visiting a Civil War Battlefield

With the summer tourist season right around the corner, many people are making plans to visit Civil War battlefields near and far. Here is some tips I learned from doing my own exploring of battlefields last year:

1. Do your research – Before you even leave the house, one of the most important steps to take is to do a little research on the battlefield you are wanting to visit. Knowing what took place there will be beneficial upon arriving. It is also helpful to know where the battlefield is and how to get there. Check out your local library or online for information. If the battlefield is run by the National Park Service, their website will most likely give maps and directions.
   
   
2. Go to the Visitor Center – The first stop upon arriving should always be the Visitor Center. These are filled with all kinds of information about the battle, including maps, field guides, and how to get started. They usually include video presentations and museums that can give a greater understanding of the battle and its importance in the war and American history. They also include gift shops where you can buy souvenirs of your visit. The Visitor Center often serves as the main gathering points for battlefield tours, ranger talks, and other events. For those Civil War battlefields that do not include a Visitor Center, be sure to get a good map and field guide beforehand.
   
   
3. Give Yourself Enough Time – Some battlefields can be seen in a few hours, while some can take several days to explore thoroughly. Be sure to give yourself enough time for whatever it is you want to do. Be sure to bring extra water and food, and be on the lookout for places to eat and use the facilities. If you are exploring a battlefield in a more urban area, allow time for traffic also. Keep in mind though, no matter how much you get to see, you probably can’t see everything. There will always be more to do.
   
   
4. Find the Best Method for Exploring – The best method for exploring a battlefield depends mainly on which battlefield you are visiting. Some battlefields are made mainly for driving tours as they include only paved roads for getting around. Others have no roads and are only accessible on foot. Then there are others where the best method for exploring is a combination of both. The driving tours include stops where visitors can get out and then explore more trails on foot. Before you go, know which method is the best and prepare for that.
   
   
5. Ask a Ranger – The Park Rangers who take care of the battlefield hold a wealth of information. They help visitors with all sorts of questions on a daily basis about the battle and how to see the battlefield. They enjoy helping visitors and your visit can be more memorable taking time to speak with them and ask questions. If possible, I highly recommend joining a ranger talk or tour of the battlefield.
   
   
6. Get Out and Walk – Even if you are taking a driving tour of the battlefield, make sure you stop at some point to get out and walk. Nothing will be leave a better impression then seeing some of the sights that the soldiers who fought there did. It is also the best way to see the battlefield’s monuments. Exploring the battlefields by foot gives visitors a chance to experience the terrain firsthand and gain a greater understanding of the battlefield. Be sure to treat the battlefields respectfully, since most of the land is property of the U.S. Government.
   
   
7. Make Sure the Whole Family is Involved – It can be difficult at times to get teenagers or younger kids excited about visiting a battlefield. Before you go, do some research to see if there are any events happening that your children will find interesting. Find ways to get them involved by coming up with games, looking for age appropriate books or toys in the gift shop, or encourage them to become Junior Rangers.
   
   
8. Attend a Living History Event – Many battlefields hold living history events, usually on weekends. These are times when Civil War reenactors portray Union and Confederate soldiers complete with period uniforms and equipment. They participate in reenactments of the battle and set up camps that can be visited by the public. Other special events and activities for children usually take place during this time.
   
   
9. Bring Along a Camera – The best way to remember your visit to a Civil War battlefield is to bring a camera and snap pictures. Pictures of the battlefield and your family will help you remember your visit long after you get home.
   
   
10. Find a Way to Contribute – Find a way to contribute to the preservation of the battlefield, even if it’s in a small way. Write a review after visiting, give a donation, or purchase gifts from the gift shop to benefit the battlefield. Also, consider volunteering or become a financial partner. Our Civil War battlefields need everyone’s help so they can be preserved for future generations and keep our history alive.
    

Do you have more tips for visiting a Civil War battlefield? What is the best battlefield you’ve visited? Please leave a comment!

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The Strangest War - The War of 1812

Hands down, one of the strangest wars I've studied in American history is the War of 1812. I recently read an excellent book on the subject called The War of 1812: A Forgotten Conflict by Donald R. Hickey. This war is often overshadowed by the much larger American conflict that took place in the 1800's, the Civil War, but it is no less important.

The causes of the war were rather complicated but most historians agree that it had to do with issues lingering from the Revolution. The British viewed the United States as second rate, seizing American sailors from ships and impressing them into the Royal Navy. The war lasted from 1812 to 1815, and included some strange events and coincidences:

• Another Failed Invasion of Canada - The first failed invasion took place during the American Revolution. The War of 1812 provided another reason for the Americans to try to invade, but it ended up as another abysmal failure. The British assault from Canada on U.S. forces was also thwarted.
  
• The burning of Washington D.C. - In 1814, the British launched a major offensive on the East Coast of the U.S. The British landed, routed a ragtag American army, and set fire to the Capitol, the White House, and other government buildings. They then sailed up the bay to lay siege to Baltimore.
  
• The Star Spangled Banner - Francis Scott Key wrote the poem that would become our national anthem after witnessing the British bombardment of Fort McHenry in Baltimore. He penned those words after seeing the American flag still waving in the fort when the smoke cleared.
  
• The Battle of Baltimore - The ground assault at Baltimore resulted in heavy casualties and the wounding of British general Robert Ross. The British troops were demoralized after his death and soon withdrew from Baltimore, ending their plans for attacking the Chesapeake Bay area.
  
• The Battle of New Orleans - This most famous battle of the war took place after the peace treaty had been signed. The British and Americans signed the Treaty of Ghent in December of 1814, but news traveled slowly in those days. In January of 1815, the British attacked at New Orleans in Jan. 1815 but were repulsed by a much smaller American force commanded by Andrew Jackson and suffered heavy casualties.

In the end, the War of 1812 was a turning point for the young United States. Although the U.S. didn't gain anything in the peace treaty, it was seen as the "second war of independence." The War of 1812 encouraged national self-confidence and the expansionism that would last the rest of the century. I'd encourage anyone interested in American history to learn more about it!

Links to Learn More:

• The War of 1812: A Forgotten Conflict - Google Books
• War of 1812
  

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