One of the versions I read of the story supposed that as Smith was a Bible-toting man he would not have approved of his men consorting with the Indian ladies. They might have been taking advantage of his absence thinking they might do a little "trading". Which is why they defied his "keep the Indians out of camp" order. The only man that actually survived the attack itself was Arthur Black who escaped into the woods and made his way along the northern Oregon coast and on to the Hudson Bay fort on the Columbia.

Thankfully, second in command Roger's expedition journal was recovered near present day Coquille and was saved for posterity, or most of what we know of the second expedition would have been lost.

Off to the dedication. Am thinking to smear a small dab of Backbreaker on the monument to honor them guys. One of those "beaver trapper to beaver trapper things".

I've promoted the book, "David Thompson's Narrative" before, while discussing these subjects.

It is a must read for every trapper or north American historian.

One thing I found very interesting, is that among Indian tribes, there was most definitely NOT, one moral code or general idea of ethics.
Their ethics ranged from valuing treachery, all the way to having a moral code that was very similar to that of the Judeo/Christian tradition. And these various ethics were in existence from before the European, Christian missionaries arrival.

You're absolutely right Waggler. A lot of times us whites condemned horse thieving redskins, but for most of the tribes it was an absolute feather in the cap to steal another tribe's horses.

The monument. Smeared a bit of Backbreaker on the other side.

This is the spot where Jedediah’s men are buried. (I think).

They re-did the historical marker a few years ago with imput from the confederated tribes that own the nearby gambling casino. What they classify as a “skirmish” was actually a brazen massacre. The trappers didn’t have a chance.

Looks like a beautiful place. Thanks for the pictures.

This is the Smith river. On July 14th 1828 the party had just crossed over to the north bank with a herd of about 300 horses and mules and we’re drying out their belongings while Jed and two others went upstream to scout out the best way forward to the Willamette valley.
Lower Umpqua (Kuiitch) Indians entered the camp under friendly pretenses but with knives and war clubs concealed in their cloaks. Suddenly the outnumbered trappers were attacked by a horde of screeching natives. The lone survivor, Arthur Black saved himself by swinging his rifle like a club and the running off into the brush.

You did what??? smeared Backbreaker on the grave?? now every critter that comes by is going to (This word is unacceptable on Trapperman) on the grave. LOL

The monument is probably 300 yards on the road shoulder from the actual burial site.

Very cool beaverpeeler, thanks for the share

Well done BP.

Agreed! If I ever get out that way this place will be a must see.

Thanks for sharing’ peeler! Emotional connection for sure, as anyone enjoying our trapping pursuits today, appreciates the early fur-trade years.

Nice. Enjoyed reading this.

Glad you guys enjoyed it. I expected to run into Jed Smith Society folks and a small gathering but I was there early (noon) and nobody else was around. The dedication time was not posted in the news release I saw so it must have been later in the day. I couldn't stick around since I had to pick up my Farmers Market booth 100 miles away from there.

Beaverpeeler I think someone was messing with your Backbreaker ! Its not in the same spot. I had to go down and see the memorial today, was out camping with the wife.



Seen around 60 head of elk in a couple hurds on our way west.




Checked out a couple boat ramps too.

Did you check out the boat ramps on the Smith or Umpqua?

Glad to see another trapper stop by to honor those guys!

I looked at Noel ranch and the other one up river from there. Where the school used to be. I think I left you a note on your truck about ten years ago at one of those places. I had a lion in a trap and was hoping for help on the release.