[Indian Reservations in the Pacific Northwest]

The Native American presence in the Pacific Northwest during the early 1880s.

This detailed map was issued by the Office of Indian Affairs, a division of the Department of the Interior, as part of a report delivered to the 47th session of the U.S. Congress (1881 – 1883). The map is one of many that were published to record the legally defined extent of Native American reservations across the United States, with this example focusing specifically on the Idaho Territory, Washington Territory, and Oregon.

Splashes of a rust-red color highlight the scattered parcels, each assigned to a different tribe. Of interest is the uncolored, but labeled, Malheur River Indian Reservation. This area was officially ‘discontinued’ as a reservation by the federal government after the Bannock War of 1878. The surviving Paute (about 550) were then forced onto the Yakima Reservation.

The image shows topography in hachure and identifies a fascinating variety of settlements, landmarks, and geographic features. Large American flags, added to the base image, announce the presence of Army installations – undoubtedly seen as a ‘safety factor’ against potential conflict.