Fort Hall Replica marks 60 year anniversary
Velda Rachorse speaks at the celebration on May 20.
By ECHO MARSHALL
Tribal Public Affairs
POCATELLO — The Fort Hall Replica 60th Anniversary was Saturday, May 20 at the Bannock County Historical Museum.
The celebration was free to attend and open to the public. Members of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes participated in the opening ceremony and Tribal vendors were invited to set up.
The event began at 11 a.m. with opening remarks by Arlen Walker, Bannock County Historical Society President. The Girls Scouts of Silver Sage Service Unit 610 presented the raising of the flags, and the Portneuf Muzzle Loaders performed the Muzzle Loaders Salute.
Shoshone-Bannock Tribal member Velda Racehorse offered the opening prayer. Fort Hall Business Councilman Lee Juan Tyler gave opening remarks followed by a flute and vocal performance by Alonzo Big Horse.
Tyler recognized Roland Marshall, Fort Hall Business Council Treasurer in attendance. “It’s good to be here, said Tyler. I believe I was only four years old when the replica was built, but the original replica was built in 1834 on the Fort Hall Bottoms. Our people have been here for centuries upon centuries.” He continued to share history of the Snake River Aquifer, the importance to the Tribes and the Fort Hall Bottoms and facts about the Fort Hall Replica.
Rick Cheatum, Pocatello City Council President provided the city address and Chubbuck Mayor, Kevin England read a proclamation. Other entertainment was provided by Old Time Fiddlers. Jacquee Alvord provided a history of the replica.
Fort Hall Business Council members Lee Juan Tyler and Roland Marshall
were in attendance.
The original fort was built along the Oregon Trail by Nathaniel J. Wyeth. It was used as an outpost for trade and supply, and helped the movement of pioneers and settlers. The Hudson Bay Company eventually bought the fort from Wyeth. They enlarged the entire structure, and the fort became a big part of the local fur trade.
The replica was built during the Idaho’s Territorial Centennial in 1963 and followed the original floor plans from the Hudson Bay Company. The materials and methods of building the replica were similar to those used for the original fort.
Whiteknife Designs set up at the anniversary celebration.
Jack and Laura Alvord were an instrumental part of the replica being built. They ensured the success of the replica by providing many of the historical items that are on display in the replica today. Their daughter, Jacquee Alvord continues to work at the replica to this day. It has been a passion of hers to maintain a close and positive relationship with the Shoshone-Bannock Tribes and invites members of the Tribe to participate in events that take place at the replica. “I have many lifelong relationships with members of the Tribes,” said Alvord. “The connection with the Tribes is what makes the replica what it is today.”
