During the American Civil War 1861-1864, the Union needed gold from the West in order to finance its prosecution of the war against the Confederacy. The US entered into the Doty treaties with the Shoshone to gain access and free passage to their extensive territory. In 1863 the US signed the Treaty of Ruby Valley with the 12 Western Bands of the Shoshone Nation (18 Statute 689-692) and identified the boundaries of their 40,000 sq. mi. territory. The Union relied on this treaty to demonstrate to European governments and banks backing the Union that it could provide the gold needed for the war, announcing that "the treaty is in full force and effect."