The Treaty of Box Elder was forged amidst escalating tensions between Native American tribes and settlers moving westward during the 19th century. The U.S. government sought to secure peace with the Shoshone, whose lands had faced increasing threats due to mining, farming, and settlement activities by non-Indigenous people. Gathering at Box Elder Creek, tribal leaders, including Chief Pocatello, represented their communities in discussions with U.S. officials. The treaty outlined terms for land exchanges and aimed to guarantee protection for the Shoshone’s remaining territories.

Chief Pocatello played a crucial role in the negotiations, advocating for the interests of his people while recognizing the necessity of some engagement with the federal government. The agreement underscored a complex dynamic where tribes sought to navigate the pressures of colonization while striving to maintain their cultural identity. By signing the treaty, both parties intended to signal a commitment to peace; however, it also established certain expectations from the U.S. government regarding support and protection, which would later be a point of contention.

The treaty, ultimately, was drafted due to the pressures of increasing settler expansion, reflecting the significant transformations impacting Indigenous life. The outcomes of the treaty would resonate in shaping further U.S.-Native relations, as the U.S. government’s implementation and enforcement of its treaties often fell short of the promises made. Overall, it was a critical moment in the ongoing negotiations and conflicts between Native Americans and the federal government.