On this day, January 29, in 1863

The Bear River Massacre occurred around present day Utah. Three years before this, a group of Shoshoni, under chief Bear Hunter, were forced off of their land by Mormon Farmers. When the young men of the tribe retaliated against the white settlers, American armed troops were called on to punish the Shoshoni. The Shoshoni fought back until their ammunition ran out, at which point American soldiers rushed them and began shooting. About 250 Shoshoni were slain, their women were raped, and American soldiers used axes to bash in the heads of already injured women and children.