GENEALOGY: When searching for Indian relatives be sure to look at all the tribes in Montana and Wyoming. Remember there is a Big Horn County In both states. Remember that this was just Indian Territory in the 1700-1800’s. A search hint, look at all the forts listed for surnames you are searching
Fur trader. The traders often had a wife in the east, and may have had more than one wife as well.. Read as much as you can about each culture, Crows had several wives in the early days and their extended families can make searching frustrating. This obviously makes it much harder to trace ancestors. I am listing as many forts as I can find, check surnamesthere. E-MAILme with surname and I will watch for the name. These are extremely difficult to find but miracles do happen. I am posting the surnames. Until I have everyone’s permission, E-MAILme and I will forward your request. If you have data to contribute please send it. It may help someone else searching.
RESERVATIONS AND TRIBES OF MONTANA AND WYOMING
Montana's Indian population today includes representatives of more than a dozen blood groups. About 20,000 still live on or near the State's seven reservations, which total more than 5 million acres. In addition to these trust lands, another 125,000 acres of federal land .
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Wyoming's Wind River Reservation
The Wind River Indian Reservation spans 2.2 million acres and is home to 2,500 Eastern Shoshone and more than 5,000 Northern Arapaho Indians. Although the two tribes own and govern the reservation jointly, most of the Shoshone live in the western half around Fort Washakie, while the Arapahos are centered around Ethete and Arapahoe. The Arapahos were placed on the Wind River Reservation in 1878, seven years after the Shoshones had been sent there. While the Shoshones had settled along the foothills, the Arapahos moved into the valley, close to the Little Wind River. Even though the two tribes had been traditional enemies, they have shared the reservation peacefully for more than a century. A Joint Council, made up of the Shoshone and Arapaho tribal (business) councils, manages the reservation.
Part of the economy is based upon oil and gas. A percentage of the royalties from this natural resource supports the tribal governments. The rest is paid to individual tribal members. In addition, many Arapahos are ranchers who raise Hereford cattle. The tribe also operates the large Arapaho Ranch.
Fort Washakie is the oldest 
community on the reservation.
Originally called Fort Brown, the name was changed in 1878 to honor Chief Washakie, who negotiated the treaty establishing the reservation. The legendary Buffalo Soldiers-the name given to U.S. Cavalrymen of African descent-were stationed at Fort Washakie in the late 1800s. Today many of the original military buildings can be seen in the Fort Washakie Historic District.
Fort Washakie is home to the Shoshone Tribal Cultural Center and the cemeteries where both Chief Washakie and Lewis and Clark's Shoshone guide, Sacajawea are buried. Visit Sacajawea’s grave which is 3 miles west of Fort Washakie on Cemetery Road. See Sacajawea’s Biography here. Another grave to visit is Chief Washakie’s grave at Fort Washakie.
You will also find a number of trading posts and gift stores that specialize in locally made Indian artwork, including hand-tanned leather goods, beadwork, and drums. The Chief Washakie Plunge-a pool fed by a natural hotspring-is open year-round to the public. Address: Shoshone Tribal Cultural Center
P.O. Box 1008,Fort Washakie, Wyoming,82514-1008, phone: 307-332-9106.
Map from Shoshone Reservation Map, Visit Wyoming. Thanks.
Ethete and St. Stephens are the centers of Arapaho culture on the reservation.
The Heritage Center at St. Stephens and the Arapaho Cultural Museum ( 307-332-6120) in Ethete both provide insight into the tribe and its traditions. You can also buy local Native American crafts and beadwork at the St. Stephens Art Center.Powwows offer one of the best ways to learn about life on the Wind River Reservation.
Open to the public, these gatherings occur throughout the summer. Powwows are dance contests and celebrations. Tribal members go to meet friends, dance, catch up on the news and honor the past. Each of the reservation communities host powwows.
St. Stephens Indian Mission receives no government support, no allotted funding. Individual friends of the Mission has been able to offer almost a century of assistance to the Arapaho and Shoshoni Tribes. The Mission is a dhort drive south of Riverton. It has a gift shop and a Catholic church, 307-856-6688. The Eastern Shoshone Tradition Center houses Shoshone artifacts, artwork, historical photos, histories, a display of maps and treaties. It includes a gift shop, (307-332-9106).
The Jesuits arrived at Wind River in 1884, just 16 years after the Reservation was established. The Arapaho chief, Black Coal, invited them to open a school. With the aid of a courageous band of Franciscan nuns they founded St. Stephens Indian School, The Jesuits arrived at Wind River in 1884, just 16 years after the Reservation was established. The Arapaho chief, Black Coal, invited them to open a school. With the aid of a courageous band of Franciscan nuns they founded St. Stephens Indian School, Institution with a proud past and a promising future.Wind River Reservation occupies a mile-high plain of 1,800,000 acres about 50 air-miles east of Yellowstone Park. Contact: EASTERN SHOSHONE TRIBE 15 North Fork Road
P.O. Box 538 Fort Washakie , WY 82514 Telephone:(307) 332-3532 / 4932
Ancient History of the Eastern Shoshone Tribe
The petroglyphs chipped into the sandstone cliffs of an area known as Castle Gardens are on of the finest examples of the area’s rock art and are open to the public. Historians believe that petroglyphs were ways to record history, share stories, communicate spiritual messages, and mark important places. The walls of Castle Gardens are covered by the ancient Native American records. To reach Castle Gardens, head east from Riverton across more than 40 miles of high plains. The petroglyphs are found on an outcropping of rocks. Signs will direct visitors to paths and parking. Many sites are still on the Reservation but do not have public access and are considered sacred
More to be added E-MAIL JOANN
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WELCOME TO WYOMING, GENEALOGY TRAILS HISTORY GROUP. Dedicated to the pursuit of free genealogy.
We would like to help you find, preserve and remember your ancestors and record the role they played in creating Wyoming.. My name is Jo Ann Boyd Scott. *Note: Unless otherwise stated, ALL DATA and INFO are donated, transcribed and submitted by JoAnn Boyd Scott and the "Friends of Free Genealogy" I keep a folder in the computer which has all "Friends of Free Genealogy" which includes names, date, email and copy of the data sent. Maps are from Wikipedia, pictures are personal family photographers.Here at Genealogy Trails, we will always give contributors the credit they deserve when they contribute data to our sites. We will ALWAYS abide by a researcher's request to remove their contributed data if ever asked to do so. THIS APPLIES TO ALL COUNTIES AS WELL.
Because we are a new web site, we are looking for county hosts. If you would be interested in volunteering, please visit our Volunteer Information Page and get in touch with Kim. Enough html knowledge to build a basic web page is required, along with a desire to transcribe data. I will help you get started or help me as a co-host on any county.
I gratefully accept any data, bios, land deeds, obits, etc. All data belongs to the original submitter and is copyrighted here. E-MAILme. I would like to thank the many volunteers that have sent data. Thank for the continual help and support.
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