Big Hole National Battlefield

History

The Nez Perce homeland originally spanned parts of present-day Oregon, Washington, and Idaho. In 1873, Chief Joseph negotiated with the federal government to allow his people to remain in the Wallowa Valley as stipulated in 1855 and 1863 treaties. By 1860, over 15,000 miners had violated the treaty terms without government intervention. President Grant signed an executive order granting the Wallowa to the Nez Perce in 1877, but rescinded it two years later, leading to further encroachment.

After two farmers killed a warrior wrongly accused of stealing a horse, warriors engaged with settlers. Chief Joseph, then 36 and peace-loving, decided to cease fighting and flee to Canada to avoid forced relocation to a reservation, hoping to unite with Sitting Bull's Lakota band. The fleeing group, numbering about 750 with only 200 warriors, was attacked by U.S. forces in a predawn assault at Big Hole six weeks after leaving their homeland. The Nez Perce mounted fierce resistance, cornering the attackers on a hillside while women and children fled after burying their dead.

Over a day and a half, the Nez Perce lost an estimated 60 to 90 people, though actual losses may have been higher, including many women and children. U.S. forces suffered 29 killed and 40 serious casualties. After the battle, the Nez Perce fled east through Yellowstone National Park and then north.

Did You Know?

• The trail system was designated as a National Recreation Trail in 1977.