Shoshones

Shoshones, a family of American Indians (see Vol. I. p. 226), also known as Snakes, living, since 1805 at least, to the west of the Rocky Mountains; they are now on three reservations, two in Idaho (over 2100), one in Wyoming (900)—and scattered through Nevada, Utah, and north-western Idaho (perhaps 1400 altogether). Missions have been started by the Episcopalians, Roman Catholics, and others. Though most are inoffensive, some of the bands are fierce and warlike, and hostilities ceased only in 1867, after an expedition had destroyed a great part of their braves and stores.