The area has been the site of historical activity since John Jacob Astor made an early day expedition down the Snake River in a cottonwood dugout canoe. Chief Pocatello and his Indian tribe were responsible for one of the worst massacres in the history of Idaho during an Indian attack nearby on a wagontrain in 1861. Emigrants followed the soldiers and settled there under military protection. Cattlemen were first attracted to the grazing land. but were soon followed by sheepmen. One of the bitter cattlesheep feuds culminated in the famous "Diamondfleld Jack murder trial at Albion in 1897. Many of the historic trails traverse the land there and ruts formed by the early days overland wagons are still in evidence. as well as writings on the rocks that tell the story of the emigrant days. Plainly. the history of the area is steeped in the romance of the Indian. the explorer. the fur trapper. and early settler. The Silent City of Rocks is a priceless treasure. and failure to take proper steps to preserve this area would almost certainly have resulted in its deterioration and ultimately in the loss of the features that hold great historical and ecological significance." I feel this so strongly that I have unremittingly exerted my efforts toward the legislation I am introducing at this time which will insure the preservation of this great national heritage for the enjoyment of future generations. by establishing the Silent City of Rocks as a national monument.
Keywords matched
Emigrants emigrant