Idaho State Park Where Death and Life Intersect

Massacre Rocks State Park in Idaho has a history that is not quite as ominous as its name. The area is a well-known ancient volcanic site where the Snake River gently winds through the desert valley-a welcomed site to weary emigrating pioneers and Native American Indians alike during the early days when the US landscape began to change.

The route along Interstate Highway 86 skirts the edge of the 1000-acre park, allowing passing travelers a view of the rocks and plateaus that are the remnants of the volcano that once carved the Snake River in a long forgotten era.

As you pull into the park and make your way to the top of the hill where the campsites are, the long shadows cast from the adjacent mountain reminds you of a time when life was much different. The rugged terrain whispers of the hardships that early residents faced in this sometimes-unforgiving land. The area was a popular passage for wagon trains traveling West using the Old Oregon Trail and the California Trail. As emigrants sought new life in the West, death was close at hand for one group passing through.

On August 9th, 1862, Native American Indians attacked traveling emigrants. One member of the party, John Hilman, reported, "Thirty men went in pursuit of the Indians and found them seven miles distant. At first fire from the Indians, two thirds of the men turned and ran." During the initial attack, 5 emigrants died. The subsequent retaliation caused 4 more emigrant deaths as well as an undetermined number of Native Americans. While news spread of the attack, some emigrants chose to bypass the area, traveling close to a place known as "Craters of the Moon" instead. From this one incident, Massacre Rocks gained its reputation and name.

Today this Idaho State Park stands as a quiet reminder of a great span of time in history when the earth shook and cultures clashed.

Camping facilities at Massacre Rocks State Park include cabins, 40 campsites with hook-ups, bathrooms with hot showers, boating on the Snake River, fishing, hiking trials, picnic grounds, and an up-close view of Idaho's high desert. Here you will have an opportunity to watch Bald Eagles soar in crystal blue skies and hear the coyotes howl in the starlit night in modern day comforts that our forefathers only dreamed of.

For information on Massacre Rock State Park:

Massacre Rocks State Park
10 miles west of American Falls, (off I-86)
3592 N. Park Lane
American Falls, Idaho 83211
208-548-2672

Source:
http://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/parks/massacrerocks.aspx
http://www.isu.edu/~trinmich/Native.html
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