Nez Perce War

Nez Perce War was a significant conflict in the American Indian Wars, fought between several bands of the Nez Perce tribe and the United States Army in 1877. Sparked by the failure of the Treaty of 1863 and pressure to relocate to the Lapwai Indian Reservation, the war is renowned for the Nez Perce's epic 1,170-mile fighting retreat across the Rocky Mountains. The campaign involved numerous engagements across the modern states of Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana, culminating in a final surrender near the Canada–United States border.

Background and causes

Tensions originated from the 1855 Treaty of Walla Walla, which established a large Nez Perce reservation, and the subsequent 1863 treaty, which drastically reduced its size. This "Steal Treaty" was not signed by the bands living in the Wallowa Valley, including those led by Chief Joseph and White Bird. Following the discovery of gold and increasing settler encroachment, pressure mounted from Brigadier General Oliver Otis Howard and the Indian Bureau for these "non-treaty" bands to move to the Lapwai Indian Reservation in Idaho Territory. The final catalyst was Howard's ultimatum in May 1877, giving the bands 30 days to comply, setting the stage for violent confrontation.

Outbreak and early engagements

The war began in June 1877 when young Nez Perce warriors, seeking revenge for prior killings, attacked settlers along the Salmon River in the Battle of White Bird Canyon. There, warriors led by White Bird and Ollokot decisively defeated a cavalry detachment under Captain David Perry, inflicting heavy casualties. In response, General Oliver Otis Howard mobilized forces from Fort Lapwai and Fort Walla Walla, pursuing the Nez Perce northward. Subsequent clashes included the Battle of the Clearwater in July, where Howard's artillery forced the Nez Perce to abandon their camp and begin their historic flight eastward.

Flight of the Nez Perce

Seeking refuge with allies like the Crow Nation or possibly reaching sanctuary in Sitting Bull's camp in Canada, the Nez Perce embarked on a remarkable strategic retreat. Skillfully evading larger U.S. forces, they crossed the Bitterroot Mountains via the Lolo Pass, famously outmaneuvering a blocking force at the Battle of Fort Fizzle. After a peaceful passage through the Bitterroot Valley, they were attacked by Colonel John Gibbon's forces at the Battle of the Big Hole in August, a brutal fight with heavy casualties on both sides. The Nez Perce then moved through Yellowstone National Park, engaging in skirmishes like the Battle of Camas Creek, before heading north through Montana Territory.

Final campaign and surrender

The pursuit intensified as additional columns, including troops under Colonel Samuel D. Sturgis and Brigadier General Nelson A. Miles, converged on the Nez Perce. After eluding Sturgis at the Battle of Canyon Creek, the weary band sought to reach the Canada–United States border. They were intercepted by Miles' force just 40 miles short of their goal, leading to the Battle of Bear Paw in late September. After a five-day siege in freezing conditions and the death of leaders like Toohoolhoolzote and Ollokot, Chief Joseph surrendered to General Oliver Otis Howard and Colonel Nelson A. Miles on October 5, 1877, delivering his famous speech, "From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever."

Aftermath and legacy

Following the surrender, the Nez Perce were initially sent to Fort Leavenworth in Kansas and later to the Indian Territory in present-day Oklahoma, where many perished from disease. Chief Joseph became a national figure, advocating for his people's return to the Pacific Northwest, a move partially realized in 1885 when some were allowed to settle on the Colville Indian Reservation in Washington. The war is remembered as a tragic chapter of U.S. expansion, highlighting both the military prowess of the Nez Perce and the broken promises of federal Indian policy. Key sites, including the Big Hole National Battlefield and Bear Paw Battlefield, are preserved by the National Park Service.

Category:American Indian Wars Category:History of Idaho Category:History of Montana Category:1877 in the United States Category:Nez Perce