Native American Massacres For Western Wednesday...!

The killing of native Americans was not uncommon in the early days of the settlers of the West.

Many times the attacks took place while the men of the tribe were out hunting for food, leaving mostly women and children alone and unprotected. Here is the sad tale of one such attack.

Three Knolls Massacre

Photo credit: Saxton T. Pope

By 1865, the Yana tribe’s population had dwindled to fewer than 100 in northern California around Lassen Peak. After the murders of several nearby white people during a raid, hunters tracked the culprits to Three Knolls, where the Native Americans slept.

Determined to rid the area of any remaining natives, the settlers attacked, killing dozens of Native Americans. Only a handful escaped.

A Yana tribesman named Ishi was present at the massacre as a small child, and he and his family eventually hid in some nearby mountains for almost 40 years. 1n 1911, he emerged as a frail, elderly man—the last of his people—to tell his fantastical story.

Just another example of how cruel and unjust the waging of war between the settlers and Native Americans could be. I wonder if we have learned anything at all about justice after all these years, or have we merely changed our focus to other groups and countries? Food for thought, isn't it?

Coffee out on the patio this morning.