Massacre at Hells Canyon

Massacre at Hells Canyon

28 mins | Crime, Documentary, History | Jan. 23, 2017

In 1887, a gang of horse thieves gunned down as many as 34 Chinese gold miners on the Oregon side of the Snake River near Hells Canyon. Some have called it the country’s worst massacre of Chinese by whites. Though the killers were known, and at least one confessed, no one was ever convicted. In 1995, a Wallowa County clerk discovered hidden trial documents, uncovering the nearly forgotten incident. Why was the story buried? What happened to the killers? Who were the victims?

Massacre at Hells Canyon

28 mins | Crime, Documentary, History | Jan. 23, 2017

Massacre at Hells Canyon
In 1887, a gang of horse thieves gunned down as many as 34 Chinese gold miners on the Oregon side of the Snake River near Hells Canyon. Some have called it the country’s worst massacre of Chinese by whites. Though the killers were known, and at least one confessed, no one was ever convicted. In 1995, a Wallowa County clerk discovered hidden trial documents, uncovering the nearly forgotten incident. Why was the story buried? What happened to the killers? Who were the victims?
Producers Oregon Public Broadcasting
Original title Massacre at Hells Canyon
Directors Kami Horton
Writers Kami Horton

Cast

Bruce Locke

as Narrator