One in a series of four histories of native Nevadans, this volume relates the history of the Western Shoshone, or Newe, whose territory included parts of the Great Basin area which extends from southern California to Idaho. Based on the spoken word of tribal elders and research conducted at numerous archives, the history begins with ancient culture and traces the arrival of white travelers and settlers, the usurpation of Newe lands, the establishment of reservations, and the present concerns and activities of tribal groups. The first chapter describes the traditional culture, including hunting and harvesting activities associated with each season, family life, religion, legends, and ceremonies. Chapters two through five cover the period from the arrival of the first white trapper in 1827 through the establishment of the first reservation in 1877. Discussion focuses on the impact of the Gold Rush of 1849, the Mormon settlements, government agents, the military presence around the time of the Civil War, and the treaties that were made with and broken by the United States government. The final chapter consists of 11 sections, each devoted to a present day Newe reservation or colony, describing the distinctive features of each group's original culture and the key events in its history. The book includes maps, photographs and illustrations, the texts of the 1855 and 1863 treaties, footnotes, and a bibliography of nearly 200 entries. (JH)