The Forgotten History of Bigfoot: Early Encounters with Feral Cave Dwellers in the Pacific Northwest
The enigmatic legend of Bigfoot has deep roots in American history, stretching back to some of the earliest newspaper accounts from the Western frontier. What many don't realize is that one of the first printed references to this mysterious creature appeared in the Oregon City Enterprise on October 26, 1867. This article described unusual footprints discovered by Lieutenant Barker during a military operation in Idaho Territory - tracks measuring an astonishing 17.5 inches long and 7 inches wide.
The historical context of these early accounts is fascinating, as they emerged during the Snake War of 1864-1868, when U.S. forces were engaged in conflict with Northern Paiute and Shoshoni tribes. While some early references to "Bigfoot" may have actually referred to a Paiute war chief known by that nickname, later sightings such as the 1902 Chesterfield, Idaho encounter describe something quite different - a hair-covered, eight-foot-tall creature that left 22-inch tracks with only four toes. Similar reports emerged throughout the Western states in the late 19th century, suggesting that perhaps there was more to these stories than frontier tall tales or wartime propaganda.
Key Takeaways
The earliest newspaper mention of "Bigfoot" appears in an 1867 Oregon newspaper describing unusual footprints discovered during military operations in Idaho.
A notable 1902 sighting in Chesterfield, Idaho described an eight-foot-tall, hair-covered creature that left distinctive four-toed tracks measuring 22 inches.
Reports of similar creatures appeared across Western states during the late 19th century, establishing a pattern of sightings that continues to intrigue researchers today.
The Origins of Sasquatch Folklore
Sasquatch legends trace back to newspaper reports from the American West in the mid-to-late 1800s. One of the earliest documented references appeared in the Oregon City Enterprise on October 26, 1867, describing enormous footprints discovered by Lieutenant Barker during military operations in Idaho.
The footprints measured an astonishing 17½ inches long and 7 inches wide. However, historical context reveals these tracks were attributed to a Paiute war chief named Hoock, who American soldiers nicknamed "Big Foot." This occurred during the Snake War (1864-1868), when U.S. forces battled an alliance of Northern Paiute, Bannock, and Shoshoni tribes.
Contemporary newspaper accounts reveal a pattern of dehumanizing language. The Oregon City Enterprise described Hoock simultaneously as "not human by any means" and as a "noble child of the forest" with "brethren" among the indigenous tribes. This contradictory language likely represented wartime propaganda rather than belief in a non-human entity.
A more compelling account emerged on January 27, 1902, in the Salt Lake City Tribune. Young people skating near Chesterfield, Idaho, reportedly encountered a "hair-covered human monster" standing approximately 8 feet tall with reddish-brown hair and "immense bushy whiskers." The creature left behind enormous tracks measuring 22 inches long with only four toes.
Local newspapers treated this account with varying degrees of skepticism. The Silver City Nugget suggested the witnesses had consumed "Bingham County whiskey," though this explanation seems unlikely as the witnesses were probably Mormons who abstained from alcohol.
Additional reports surfaced throughout the western states. In 1870, the Antioch Ledger referenced accounts of a "wild man" seen near Mount Diablo in California, leaving 13-inch footprints. Similar stories appeared in the Oakland Transcript during the same period.
These early newspaper accounts demonstrate how Sasquatch mythology developed from a complex mixture of real historical figures, frontier encounters, and journalistic embellishment. The sporadic nature of these reports—appearing years apart and across different regions—suggests they weren't part of an organized hoax but rather represented isolated incidents interpreted through the cultural lens of the American frontier.
Historical Context of The Wild Hunter
Lieutenant Barker's 1867 Idaho Campaign
In October 1867, Lieutenant Barker led a military expedition near Wiser, Idaho, as part of the ongoing conflict with indigenous tribes in the region. On October 15, 1867, the Idaho Statesman reported that Barker's unit had departed from Fort Boise after receiving intelligence about a "Snake war band" in the Wiser River area. Upon reaching their destination, the soldiers discovered an abandoned camp they believed had been vacated only days earlier, possibly due to a severe snowstorm.
The most intriguing aspect of their discovery was an unusual footprint found among the tracks of approximately 70-80 warriors. This print measured 17½ inches in length and about 7 inches in width. The Oregon City Enterprise later published an article on October 26, 1867, describing this discovery with a somewhat sarcastic tone.
The military expedition was operating during the Snake War (1864-1868), when U.S. forces battled an alliance of Northern Paiute, Bannock, and Shoshoni tribes. These indigenous groups were collectively referred to by settlers as "Snake Indians," a name derived from the Snake River that flows through the region.
Bigfoot as a Paiute War Chief
The unusual footprints discovered by Lieutenant Barker were attributed to a Paiute war chief known as "Hoo-ok" or more commonly by his settler-given nickname "Bigfoot." This chief was described as having exceptional stature and strength, reported to be around 6½ feet tall according to later accounts.
The 1867 newspaper article portrayed this indigenous leader in contradictory terms:
Described as "not human by any means"
Called a "noble child of the forest"
Identified as having "brethren" among the Snake bands
Noted for "unapproachable skill in using the scalp knife"
A bounty was reportedly offered for this war chief:
$50 for his "big toe"
$100 for his scalp
The dehumanizing language used in these reports reflects the period's intense hostilities rather than suggesting an actual belief in a non-human entity. The article's tone indicates the author was using exaggerated, derisive language to describe an indigenous adversary rather than reporting on a supernatural being.
By 1902, long after the Snake War had ended, an unrelated report from Chesterfield, Idaho described an encounter with a "hair-covered human monster" standing approximately 8 feet tall with reddish-brown hair. This creature allegedly left tracks measuring 22 inches long with only four toes. While some twenty men were dispatched to search for this entity, no follow-up reports appeared in subsequent newspapers.
Early Newspaper Reports of Sasquatch
The Oregon City Enterprise Publication
The earliest documented newspaper reference to what might be considered a Bigfoot-like creature appeared in the Oregon City Enterprise on October 26, 1867. The brief article described Lieutenant Barker's discovery of unusual footprints during a military expedition near Weiser, Idaho. These prints measured approximately 17.5 inches long and 7 inches wide. Interestingly, the headline used the term "Big Foot" as two separate words rather than the compound form used today.
The historical context of this article is significant. Lieutenant Barker was actually participating in military operations against Indigenous tribes in the region, specifically targeting a Paiute war chief named Hoock, who settlers had nicknamed "Bigfoot." Between 1864 and 1868, U.S. Army forces were engaged in conflict with an alliance of Northern Paiute, Bannock, and Shoshoni tribes, collectively referred to by settlers as the "Snake Indians."
Prior reporting in the Idaho Statesman provided additional details about Barker's expedition. On October 15, the newspaper reported that Barker's unit had discovered an abandoned camp believed to have housed 70-80 warriors. Among the various tracks, they noted "one large track" allegedly belonging to the "famous Bigfoot."
Descriptions and Dehumanization
The language used in these early accounts reveals much about attitudes of the time. The Oregon City Enterprise described Bigfoot as "a giant in stature and strength" who had been "reported killed on three or four occasions." The article employed dehumanizing language, calling him both "not human by any means" and paradoxically "the noble child of the forest." This contradictory terminology suggests the writer was employing sarcasm rather than reporting on a non-human creature.
A different account appeared in the Salt Lake City Tribune on January 27, 1902. This story from Chesterfield, Idaho described a "hair-covered human monster" that confronted people skating on the Portneuf River. According to witnesses who later observed the creature:
It stood approximately 8 feet tall
Had reddish-brown hair covering its body
Featured "immense bushy whiskers" concealing most of its face
Left tracks measuring 22 inches long by 7¼ inches wide
The footprints showed only four toes
The article noted that local cowboys had previously seen similar tracks west of the river. A search party of 20 men reportedly set out to find the creature, but no follow-up reports appeared in subsequent newspapers.
Similar reports emerged elsewhere in the western states. On October 1, 1870, the Antioch Ledger referenced a "wild man" sighting in Crow Canyon near Mount Diablo, with footprints measuring 13 inches long. The Oakland Transcript published a related account of unusual footprints found along Oresta Timba Creek.
Recent Bigfoot Sightings in Idaho
1902 Incident at Chesterfield
On January 27, 1902, the Salt Lake City Tribune published an extraordinary account from Chesterfield, Idaho. A group of young people skating along the Portneuf River near John G's residence encountered what they described as a hair-covered humanoid creature. The entity reportedly emerged suddenly from the nearby woods, wielding a large stick and making loud vocalizations before charging toward the startled group.
The skaters quickly fled the scene, managing to escape what they perceived as a genuine threat. This encounter occurred decades after the Snake War had concluded, making it unlikely to be related to any Native American conflicts in the region.
Physical Characteristics and Movement Patterns
Following the initial encounter, several young men returned to the location armed with weapons. From a safe distance, they observed the creature warming itself by the fire they had abandoned. They estimated its height at approximately 8 feet, noting it was covered with long reddish-brown hair. The entity's face remained largely obscured by what they described as "immense bushy whiskers," with only a small patch of bare skin visible above the eyes.
Rather than confronting the being, the witnesses chose to retreat and return the following day to examine any evidence left behind. Upon their return, they discovered unusual tracks measuring 22 inches in length and 7¼ inches in width, with imprints showing only four toes. Local cowboys and livestock workers later confirmed seeing similar tracks along the range west of the river.
The community organized a search party of about 20 men to track the creature, which was reportedly moving westward when last observed. However, no subsequent newspaper accounts documented the results of this expedition or provided additional information about the creature's whereabouts.
While some publications like the Silver City Nugget questioned the credibility of these reports, it's worth noting that the witnesses were likely Mormon settlers who typically abstained from alcohol, reducing the likelihood of intoxication-related misidentification.
Recent Bigfoot Sightings in Idaho
1902 Chesterfield Encounter
On January 27, 1902, the Salt Lake City Tribune published a remarkable report from Chesterfield, Idaho. A group of young people skating along the Portneuf River near John G's home suddenly encountered what they described as a "hair-covered human monster." This creature reportedly emerged from the forest without warning, carrying a large stick and emitting loud yells before charging at the terrified skaters.
The witnesses quickly escaped the slow-moving entity by skating away. This incident occurred long after the conclusion of the Snake War conflicts, making it distinct from earlier reports that may have been related to Native American encounters.
Physical Description and Escape
When a party of young men returned to the location armed for protection, they maintained a safe distance while observing the creature, which had remained in the area and was warming itself by their abandoned fire. They estimated the being stood approximately 8 feet tall and was covered with long reddish-brown hair. Its face remained largely hidden behind what they described as "immense bushy whiskers," with only a small patch of bare skin visible above the eyes.
Rather than confronting the entity, the witnesses decided to withdraw and return the following day. Upon their return, they discovered unusual tracks measuring 22 inches in length and 7¼ inches in width, with impressions showing only four toes. Local cowboys later confirmed seeing similar tracks in the range west of the river.
In response to the sighting, approximately 20 men from Chesterfield organized a search party to track the creature, which was last seen heading westward. However, subsequent newspaper records fail to mention the outcome of this expedition or provide any follow-up information about the creature.
Further Research and Field Reports
Tracks and Evidence Responses
After the initial reports emerged, scattered evidence continued to surface regarding unusual tracks in the Idaho wilderness. Local cowboys and livestock workers reportedly observed similar footprints measuring approximately 22 inches long by 7¼ inches wide along the western range near the Portneuf River. These tracks displayed a distinctive four-toe pattern rather than the typical five toes of human prints. When young men from Chesterfield returned to the site where they had encountered the alleged hairy figure, they discovered these unusual impressions in the soil, confirming what ranchers had previously documented in the region.
The community's reaction to these discoveries proved significant. Following the Chesterfield incident, approximately 20 men organized a search party to track the creature, which was last seen moving westward. The expedition demonstrated the seriousness with which some residents viewed these sightings, though varying degrees of skepticism existed among the broader population and press. Some newspapers, like the Silver City Nugget, dismissed the accounts entirely, suggesting the witnesses had been influenced by "Bingham County whiskey" despite the unlikelihood of this explanation given the witnesses' probable Mormon background and abstention from alcohol.
The Absence of Subsequent Reports
Curiously, despite the initial flurry of interest, no follow-up articles appeared documenting either the fate of the search party or additional encounters with the mysterious entity. This silence in the historical record represents a significant gap in the narrative. If the creature truly existed as described—standing approximately 8 feet tall with reddish-brown hair and bushy facial hair—one would expect additional sightings to have occurred and been documented.
The chronological gaps between reported incidents also raise questions. The 35-year interval between Lieutenant Barker's 1867 discovery of unusual tracks and the 1902 Chesterfield encounter suggests either:
Extreme rarity of the creatures
Limited human presence in suitable habitat areas
Questionable authenticity of the original reports
While Idaho reports remained scarce, similar accounts appeared elsewhere in the western United States during this period. The Antioch Ledger's October 1870 mention of unusual 13-inch tracks discovered near Mount Diablo in California suggests a broader pattern of unexplained phenomena across the region rather than isolated incidents confined to Idaho.
Documented Accounts From Western Regions
Historical Newspaper References From Antioch and Sand Creek
The Antioch Ledger from October 1, 1870 published an intriguing report that referenced earlier coverage in the Sand W Republican. According to these sources, local residents had observed a "wild man" near Mount Diablo in Crow Canyon. The tracks reportedly measured 13 inches in length.
The Ledger's journalists expressed skepticism about these claims, primarily because they couldn't verify the existence of the canyon mentioned in the report. Their uncertainty represents the typical journalistic caution of the era when confronted with unusual claims.
Despite their reservations, the Ledger acknowledged that similar accounts had appeared in other publications, suggesting multiple independent sources were reporting comparable phenomena.
Unusual Footprint Discoveries Along Timba Creek
The Oakland Transcript carried a more detailed account from two hunters, FJ Hildr and Samuel Degut. While pursuing game along Orist Timba Creek approximately three weeks before the report, they discovered a series of footprints along the creek bank.
These impressions initially appeared human-like in their basic form but contained notable abnormalities, particularly in the toe region. The hunters' description suggests they encountered something outside their normal experience, prompting them to report the findings to the newspaper.
Unlike many vague accounts from this period, this report includes:
Specific named witnesses
A precise location
Approximate timing
Detailed physical evidence description
These elements lend the account a degree of credibility that distinguishes it from more casual frontier tales or obvious fabrications that frequently appeared in period newspapers.
Examining Bigfoot Claims through Historical Reports
The historical record of Bigfoot encounters contains fascinating yet problematic accounts that demand careful analysis. Early newspaper reports from the Western United States provide intriguing examples that bear scrutiny.
One of the earliest potential Bigfoot references appears in an October 1867 Oregon City Enterprise article describing unusual tracks discovered by Lieutenant Barker. These footprints measured an astonishing 17½ inches long by 7 inches wide. However, context reveals a significant complication - these tracks were attributed to a Paiute war chief nicknamed "Bigfoot" during the Snake War (1864-1868).
The article's tone suggests dehumanization of an enemy combatant rather than documentation of a cryptid. Despite describing the tracks as "not human by any means," the same text refers to this figure as having "brethren" among indigenous tribes and possessing skill with weapons - clearly human attributes.
Later accounts present more cryptid-like descriptions. A January 1902 Salt Lake City Tribune report described an encounter near Chesterfield, Idaho, where skaters fled from a "hair-covered human monster." This entity reportedly stood 8 feet tall with reddish-brown hair and bushy facial hair.
Several key patterns emerge across these historical accounts:
Characteristic 1867 Report 1902 Report Other Western Reports Footprint Length 17½ inches 22 inches 13+ inches Footprint Width 7 inches 7¼ inches Varied Physical Description Minimal Hair-covered, 8 ft tall Often tall, hairy Behavior N/A Threatening, uses tools Mixed
The inconsistency in reporting is notable. Despite claims of organized searches following sightings, follow-up articles rarely appeared. The Silver City Nugget expressed skepticism about the 1902 report, suggesting alcohol might explain such fantastical claims.
Track evidence presents particular challenges. The unusual dimensions reported (13-22 inches long) far exceed human norms. The 1902 tracks reportedly showed only four toes, an anatomical oddity not typically associated with primates.
Regional newspapers demonstrated varying levels of skepticism toward these accounts. While some printed these stories straightforwardly, others explicitly questioned their credibility or framed them as curiosities rather than factual reporting.
These historical accounts occurred against a backdrop of frontier expansion, cultural conflict, and sensationalist journalism. The conflation of indigenous figures with mythical creatures in early accounts raises questions about potential cultural misunderstandings or deliberate misrepresentations.
