Battle of Big Hole, Montana – Legends of America
The Battle of the Big Hole, a poignant and brutal clash, unfolded in the rugged landscape of Beaverhead County, Montana, on August 9-10, 1877. This confrontation pitted the U.S. Army against the resilient Nez Perce tribe and marked a significant, albeit tragic, episode in the broader context of the Nez Perce War. Following the Battle of Clearwater in Idaho, the Nez Perce, led by the sagacious Chief Joseph and other prominent figures, sought refuge across state lines in Montana, hoping to escape the relentless pressure of the U.S. military.
To truly understand the gravity of the Battle of the Big Hole, it is essential to delve into the historical backdrop that led to this fateful encounter. In the early 19th century, when the Nez Perce first encountered European American explorers in 1805, they were a formidable nation, boasting a vast territory of approximately 13 million acres of ancestral land. However, over the subsequent seven decades, the Nez Perce experienced a gradual erosion of their homeland as settlers encroached upon their territory.
By 1877, tensions had reached a boiling point. The U.S. government issued an ultimatum to the non-treaty Nez Perce, demanding that they relocate to a designated reservation within 30 days or face forcible removal. Refusing to be confined, the Nez Perce made the agonizing decision to flee, gathering their possessions, livestock, and families in a desperate attempt to preserve their way of life.
As August dawned, a caravan of over 800 Nez Perce, primarily composed of families, including approximately 200 warriors, and a staggering 2,000 horses, traversed the Bitterroot Valley of Montana. Their leaders harbored a cautious hope that the military would not pursue them further, believing they could find sanctuary in the vastness of the Montana Territory. The tribe eventually established a sprawling encampment in the tranquil Big Hole Basin in southwestern Montana, seeking respite from their arduous journey.
Unbeknownst to the Nez Perce, Colonel John Gibbon, a determined officer, was relentlessly pursuing them with a force of 161 soldiers and a formidable howitzer. Gibbon augmented his ranks by enlisting the assistance of 45 civilian volunteers from the Bitterroot Valley, driven by a mix of motives, including a desire for adventure and a belief in Manifest Destiny. On August 8, as the Nez Perce busied themselves with gathering essential supplies in the surrounding area, military scouts discreetly observed their camp, gathering intelligence for the impending assault.
Fueled by orders to take no prisoners and engage in no negotiations, Colonel John Gibbon and his men launched a surprise attack at dawn on August 9. The initial assault caught the Nez Perce off guard, resulting in significant casualties. However, the Nez Perce warriors swiftly regrouped and mounted a fierce counterattack, driving back Gibbon’s forces and enabling the majority of the tribe to escape the immediate onslaught.
The ensuing battle raged for two days, marked by intense fighting and heavy losses on both sides. When the smoke cleared, the toll was grim: 29 soldiers lay dead, and 40 were wounded. The Nez Perce suffered even greater losses, with an estimated 89 individuals killed, including women, children, and elders. The indiscriminate nature of the attack left deep scars on the Nez Perce community, further fueling their determination to resist.
Military historians often characterize the Battle of the Big Hole as a tactical victory for the Nez Perce. Despite suffering significant casualties, they managed to hold off the U.S. Army long enough to bury their dead, gather their remaining belongings, and escape with a substantial number of their horses. However, the heavy losses sustained at Big Hole had a profound impact on the Nez Perce, depleting their ranks and resources.
The psychological impact of the battle was equally devastating. The Nez Perce realized that they could not outrun the U.S. Army indefinitely. The heavy losses they had sustained at Big Hole made their eventual defeat all but inevitable. Two months later, the Nez Perce were forced to surrender.
Today, the Big Hole Battlefield stands as a solemn reminder of the tragic events that unfolded there. The site is recognized and honored as a historic landmark and a memorial to those who lost their lives in the battle. The National Park Service manages the 655-acre site, ensuring that the memory of the Battle of the Big Hole is preserved for future generations. Visitors can explore the battlefield, walk the trails, and learn about the history of the Nez Perce War.
The Big Hole National Battlefield is located ten miles west of Wisdom, Montana, on Montana Highway 43.
Contact Information:
Big Hole National Battlefield
P.O. Box 237
Wisdom, Montana 59761
(406) 689-3155
Also See:
Indian Wars, Battles & Massacres Across America
Montana Indian Battles
Nez Perce – A Hard Fight For Their Homeland
Nez Perce War
Sources:
Big Hole National Battlefield
National Park Brochure