Bear Paw Battlefield

General W.T. Sherman best described the Nez Perce retreat as the most extraordinary of Indian wars.  The story began in central Idaho and eastern Washington and Oregon.  In July, 1877, the US Army attempted to force the Nez Perce onto a reservation in central Idaho, and facing no options, the Nez Perce leaders finally agreed.  Finally fleeing Idaho, they first went to western Montana.  When that failed, they fled east through Yellowstone Park to join forces with the Crow Indians.  Being unreceptive, the Nez Perce leaders opted to go north to Canada.  By this time they reached Snake Creek south of present day Chinook, after traveling more than 1,300 miles, with seven to nine hundred men, women and children.  Believing they were still at least two days ahead of their pursuers, the US Army, they were attacked by three hundred mounted troops under Col. Nelson Miles.  The Nez Perce were trapped in the creek valley and the battle settled into a siege.  After enduring five days of artillery bombardment and horrible weather, Chief Joseph surrendered on October 5, 1877, uttering the now famous words, “From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more, forever.”   Today, the Battlefield is perhaps the best preserved and most carefully inventoried military historical site in North America.

Daily Tours:  start in Chinook at the Blaine County Museum, 501 Indiana Street.  For more information contact them at (406) 357-2590 or the National Park Service Ranger at (406) 357-3130.

Location:  16 miles south of Chinook, Montana on Route 240 (Cleveland Road).  On–site facilities include a 1.25 mile self-guided interpretive trail, picnic tables, and vault toilets.