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BOZEMAN TRAIL MUSEUM
& BIG HORN CITY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Meet French Pete -- Introduction via newsletter
Institute for Canine Forensics
The forensic teams of dogs and handlers visited the site May 9-10, 2026.
The dogs found approximately 35 places where they flagged the odor of human decomposition. They verified the two areas where research has pointed to the burial spaces of 4 men and the possible kill site of all 6 traders. Both areas are located within 200 feet of one another. 2 men were taken back to Fort Phil Kearny to be buried & the other 4 were most likely too mutilated to be carried back on horses, so were buried near where they were killed. The event took place July 17, 1866.
Below: Mojo found several 'hits' in this area where the old road and ruts are located. The newly dug holes for the fence brought up the odor. [photo by Judy Slack]
Next image-left to right: John Grebenkemper & Kalli, Colette Falco & Mojo and Ronda Bowser & Badger. [photo by Mary Durante]
Above: Ronda and Badger locate two hits on the knoll. [photos by Shane Dunning]
Below: Mojo and Kalli immediately found hits by the rocks on the side and top of the knoll. [photo by Shane Dunning]
Elsa Spear Byron tells that the grave depressions were on the knoll (where the beehives used to stand). {More to follow....}
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