Nez Perce War – Legends of America
The Nez Perce War, a poignant chapter in American history, unfolded between June and October 1877. This armed conflict pitted several bands of the Nez Perce tribe and an allied Palouse band against the formidable forces of the United States Army. The heart of the conflict lay in the Nez Perce’s staunch refusal to relinquish their ancestral lands in the Pacific Northwest and relocate to a designated Indian reservation in Idaho.
Early Encounters and Uneasy Peace
Initially, the Nez Perce maintained peaceful relations with the encroaching white settlers. Their history is marked by acts of goodwill and assistance. In 1804, they played a crucial role in resupplying and aiding the Lewis and Clark expedition, a gesture that likely averted the expedition’s failure. Similarly, in the 1830s, they extended their support to Captain Benjamin Bonneville’s expedition, showcasing their willingness to coexist and assist.
Treaties and Betrayals: The Seeds of Conflict
The year 1855 marked a turning point when Chief Joseph’s father, Old Joseph, signed a treaty with the U.S. government. This treaty allowed the Nez Perce to retain a significant portion of their traditional lands. However, this period of relative peace was short-lived. In 1863, a second treaty drastically reduced the Nez Perce lands, seizing seven million acres as white settlers continued their westward expansion. This left the Nez Perce with a mere 138,000 acres. Old Joseph vehemently maintained that his people never agreed to this second treaty, setting the stage for future conflict.
Escalation to War: The Spark at White Bird Canyon
The simmering tensions between settlers and the Nez Perce finally erupted into violent conflict in mid-June 1877. The first major engagement occurred at White Bird Canyon, Idaho Territory, on June 17. This battle resulted in a significant victory for the Nez Perce, demonstrating their effectiveness as a fighting force and highlighting the strategic advantages of their knowledge of the terrain.
A Summer of Resistance: Tactical Brilliance and Military Prowess
Throughout the summer and early fall of 1877, the Nez Perce warriors showcased remarkable fighting skills and tactical brilliance under the leadership of military leaders such as Chief Looking Glass and Chief White Bird. These leaders masterfully employed their knowledge of the terrain and their warriors’ agility to evade defeat against the numerically superior U.S. Army forces.
The Nez Perce forces, estimated to be just a few hundred warriors, were composed of individuals with no formal military training. They were accompanied by many non-combatants, including women, children, and the elderly, making their campaign all the more remarkable. In contrast, the U.S. Army deployed several thousand soldiers, many of whom were veterans of the Civil War, commanded by officers with years of military training and experience.
The Long Retreat: A Journey of Over 1,500 Miles
The Nez Perce and the Army engaged in several battles as the Nez Perce retreated from their homeland in the Wallowa Valley, traversing through the Idaho and Montana Territories, with their ultimate goal being to reach Canada and seek refuge. By October 1877, however, the relentless pursuit, coupled with the harsh winter weather, dwindling supplies, and the sheer exhaustion of traveling over 1,500 miles of rugged terrain, began to take a heavy toll on the Nez Perce.
The Final Stand: Bear Paw Mountain
The final major engagement between the Nez Perce and the Army took place at Bear Paw Mountain in the Montana Territory between September 30 and October 5, 1877. After days of intense fighting, with no hope of reinforcement or escape, Chief Joseph made the agonizing decision to surrender his remaining forces to General Nelson A. Miles and General Oliver Otis Howard.
Chief Joseph’s Surrender: A Moment of Profound Sorrow
In his poignant surrender speech, Chief Joseph uttered the now-famous words: "I am tired. My heart is sick and sad. From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever." These words echoed the weariness and heartbreak of a people who had fought valiantly to defend their homeland and way of life.
Captains Edward S. Godfrey and Myles Moylan were later awarded the Medal of Honor for their actions against the Nez Perce at Bear Paw Mountain, highlighting the intensity and significance of the battle.
Broken Promises: Exile and Hardship
Despite General Miles’ promise of a safe return to the Wallowa Valley, the Nez Perce were instead sent to Kansas and Oklahoma, where they endured years of hardship, disease, and deprivation. The survivors of the 1877 war faced unimaginable challenges in these unfamiliar and hostile environments.
It was not until the mid-1880s that some of the Nez Perce were finally allowed to return to their homelands. However, Chief Joseph and other remaining tribal leaders were forced to spend their remaining years on the Colville Indian Reservation in Washington, far from their beloved Wallowa Valley.
Legacy and Remembrance: A War of Broken Trust
The Nez Perce War serves as a stark reminder of the injustices inflicted upon Native American tribes during the westward expansion of the United States. It highlights the devastating consequences of broken treaties, cultural misunderstandings, and the insatiable desire for land and resources.
The war also underscores the complexities of military command and the often-conflicting interests of battlefield commanders and higher political forces. The decisions made during the Nez Perce War were often influenced by political considerations and a distant command structure, leading to outcomes that contradicted the promises made to the Nez Perce.
Key Battles of the Nez Perce War:
The Nez Perce War was marked by several significant battles, each contributing to the overall narrative of the conflict:
- Battle of White Bird Canyon, Idaho – June 17, 1877
- Battle of Cottonwood, Idaho – July 3–5, 1877
- Battle of the Clearwater, Idaho – July 11–12, 1877
- Battle of Big Hole, Montana – August 9–10, 1877
- Battle of Camas Meadows, Idaho – August 20, 1877
- Battle of Canyon Creek, Montana – September 13, 1877
- Battle of Cow Island, Montana – September 23, 1877
- Battle of Bear Paw, Montana – September 30 – October 5, 1877
The Nez Perce War remains a poignant and significant event in American history, serving as a reminder of the sacrifices made by the Nez Perce people in their struggle to defend their homeland and way of life. It is a story of courage, resilience, and the enduring spirit of a people who refused to surrender their identity in the face of overwhelming odds.