Outbreak of Black Hawk War

This is where the fighting began. By 1865 the Ute had lost their valleys to Mormon settlement and their game to its livestock, and a smallpox epidemic that winter — which some bands blamed on the settlers — deepened the anger. In April a council at Manti meant to settle the trouble broke down instead. Days later, two settlers hunting cattle were killed in this canyon, a militia party sent after the Utes was driven back, and a raid swept the Salina herds. Salina was abandoned, and a war that would run seven years had begun.

What the plaque says

During the winter of 1864 a small band of Indians near Gunnison contracted smallpox and blamed the settlers. In April 1865 the Utes and Whites met at Manti to solve the difficulties but failed. Elijah B. Ward and James P. Anderson were killed by Indians in this canyon while hunting for lost cattle. A pursuing party under Colo. Allred, out numbered by the Utes was driven back. Next day the Indians raided Salina and took most of the cattle. Settlers were driven out. War fare under Chief Black Hawk continued spreading over Southern Utah, until 1871, when peace was restored and the settlers returned to Salina.

Where it stands

Worth the stop nearby

• Mayfield — 15 mi
  Gateway to Twelve Mile Canyon and the Skyline Drive high country
• Gunnison — 15 mi
  Sanpete's southern hub, home to Utah's oldest operating theater
• Sterling — 20 mi
  A highway hamlet and the doorway to Palisade State Park
• Palisade State Park — 21 mi
  A pioneer-built lake turned central Utah's favorite state park

More markers nearby

• Old Rock Church — 1.5 mi
• CCC Camp F-32, Co.-479 — 1.6 mi
• CCC & POW Camp Museum — 1.6 mi
• Redmond Town Hall Monument — 4.9 mi