How the Nez Perce fought the US army across four states after eviction from their ancestral home

The Flight of the Nez Perce

The Nez Perce had lost 90% of their homeland to the controversial 1863 “Thief Treaty” that many bands never signed. In 1877, General Oliver Howard gave Chief Joseph’s people just 30 days to leave Oregon’s Wallowa Valley for an Idaho reservation.

Instead, three young warriors killed white settlers, forcing Joseph to lead 800 people on a desperate 1,170-mile flight toward Canada, hoping to find sanctuary.

On October 5, 1877, trapped in Montana’s Bear Paw Mountains just 40 miles from freedom, Joseph finally surrendered with five words: “I will fight no more forever.”

Here’s what happened during that heartbreaking flight, and where to find the Nez Perce National Historical Park.

Miles Attacks at Bear Paw Mountains

Colonel Nelson Miles found the Nez Perce camped near Snake Creek in northern Montana on September 30, 1877. They had stopped to rest just 40 miles from the Canadian border.

Miles brought soldiers from three units along with Lakota and Cheyenne scouts. These scouts had fought against the Army themselves only a year earlier.

Most families were eating breakfast when soldiers charged from the south in a surprise attack.

Fierce Combat in Freezing Conditions

Nez Perce warriors quickly took positions on the bluffs and fired at the advancing cavalry, knocking many soldiers from their horses.

The first day cost the Nez Perce 26 lives. Instead of attacking directly, Miles surrounded the camp to prevent escape.

People dug trenches with root diggers and knives for protection. Snow fell throughout the battle while freezing winds blew through the camp.

Key Leaders Die in Battle

Looking Glass, who planned much of the tactical retreat, died from a sniper’s bullet. His skills had kept the tribe ahead of soldiers for months.

Toohoolhoolzote, an elderly chief who opposed moving to the reservation, also died fighting. He had once been jailed for arguing with General Howard during treaty talks.

Chief Joseph’s brother Ollokut, a main combat leader, fell in battle. These deaths left Joseph as one of the few remaining chiefs.

Howard Reaches the Battlefield

General Oliver Otis Howard arrived on October 3, 1877. He had chased the Nez Perce over 1,500 miles since the conflict began.

Howard respected their fighting skills, noting their use of scouts, guards, and field defenses like a formal military.

His arrival with more troops changed the battle. Howard brought two Nez Perce men, Captain John and Old George, to help negotiate.

White Bird Escapes North

During the fighting, about 200 Nez Perce slipped past Army lines. Chief White Bird led this group to Canada.

They joined Sitting Bull and his Lakota people, who had found safety there after defeating General Custer the year before.

Joseph later said they all could have escaped if willing to leave behind their wounded, elderly, and children. The remaining Nez Perce refused to abandon their people.

Peace Talks Begin

All gunfire stopped at 8:00 AM on October 5, 1877. Captain John and Old George crossed into Nez Perce lines with messages from Army commanders.

Both men had daughters among the trapped Nez Perce. They promised no executions if the tribe surrendered, plus blankets, food, and return to Idaho.

The Nez Perce leaders disagreed about giving up. White Bird opposed surrender, while Joseph saw no other way to save lives.

Joseph Chooses to Surrender

After five days of fighting, Joseph decided to end the conflict. His people had no food or blankets in the freezing Montana weather.

Children were dying from cold. The wounded had no proper care. Joseph could not watch this continue.

Colonel Miles promised they could return to their homeland in spring. Joseph believed this pledge and chose to save his remaining people.

I Will Fight No More Forever

Joseph rode to meet General Howard and Colonel Miles at 2:00 PM on October 5, 1877. He handed over his rifle as a sign of dignity.

Interpreter Arthur Chapman recorded Joseph’s words about dead leaders, suffering children, and his weariness from fighting.

The speech ended with: “From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever.” These words ended the Nez Perce War.

Promise Broken by Sherman

The surrender agreement quickly fell apart. General William Sherman, head of the Army, canceled Miles’ promise to return the Nez Perce to Idaho.

Sherman declared: “These Indians are prisoners and their wishes should not be consulted.” Joseph felt betrayed. Instead of going home, the government sent the Nez Perce to Indian Territory (now Oklahoma). Joseph would spend years fighting this decision.

Journey into Exile

The 418 captured Nez Perce first went to Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. Soldiers then marched them 265 miles to Montana Territory.

In 1878, Congress approved money to move the tribe permanently to Oklahoma. Officials falsely claimed Oklahoma’s climate matched their cool mountain homeland.

Many died during the journey and early years in Oklahoma. Disease spread through the group, who weren’t used to the hot, humid weather.

Visiting Nez Perce National Historical Park

Bear Paw Battlefield belongs to Nez Perce National Historical Park in north-central Montana, near Highway 240 south of Chinook. You can explore the self-guided 1.25-mile interpretive trail year-round to see battle positions and the surrender site.

The Blaine County Museum in Chinook offers orientation films and exhibits about the battle. Park rangers lead guided walks during summer months.

Read More from WhenInYourState.com:

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