Peace Tree

Fort Ephraim Peace Treaty

The Peace Treaty was signed in front of a backdrop of war against the Indians, between 1865-72. Many of these Indians were commanded by Chief Black Hawk, as he was known by the settlers of Central Utah.

Following the peace treaty in Ephraim, Black Hawk himself continued to arrange peace talks between the settlers and other hostile Indian chiefs.

Throughout the bitter years of warfare between the stealthy bands of Indians in the mountains and settlers in Central Utah, 27 settlements were evacuated, two whole counties and parts of seven others were abandoned, 70 Pioneer settlers were slain and many wounded, and hundreds of cattle and horses were stolen.

On August 1, 1866, U.S. Indian Supt., Col. H.F. Head and Stake President. Orson Hyde obtained a promise of peace from Chief Black Hawk, and by August 18, 1868, they had secured a meeting place for the peace party. The location of these peace talks was in Fort Ephraim on Hans Hansen’s lawn by a red cedar tree.

The plaque that memorialized the peace treaty was erected in 1982 by the Fort Ephraim Camp, DUP (Daughters of Utah Pioneers). The historic marker is located in the Ephraim Pioneer Park, where Hans Hansen’s house still stands today as a museum.