Bear Paw Battlefield

Bear Paw Battlefield is part of Nez Perce National Historical Park and Nez Perce National Historic
Trail.   It is the site of the last battle of the Nez Perce War of 1877.

On September 29, 1877, a community of 700 men, women and children made camp on the banks
of Snake Creek at a place they called C'Aynnim 'Alikinwaapsa (The Place of the Manure Fire).
On September 30 a battle occurred followed by an extended siege lasting until October 5. At
2:00 PM on the afternoon of October 5, Chief Joseph, on behalf of 432 survivors, ended the
battle as he gave his rifle to Colonel Nelson A. Miles saying "From where the sun now stands, I
will fight no more, forever."

The Nez Perce were unaware that Colonel Nelson A. Miles had been ordered from the Tongue
River Cantonment (near Miles City, Montana) to intercept the "fugitives."   Mile's 400 soldiers of
the 2nd and 7th Cavalries, the 5th Mounted Infantry, and 40 Indian scouts crossed the Missouri
River by steamer on September 25.   This was two days and 70 miles east of the Nez Perce
crossing at Cow Island.   Approaching from the southeast on September 29, Miles ordered his
forces to make camp.   Miles was unaware of the Nez Perce camp's location just 12 miles away
northwest.

About 4 a.m. on September 30, army scouts alerted Colonel Miles of the Nez Perce camp.   Miles
ordered his troops to march, expecting to surprise and overwhelm the Nez Perce with a sudden
attack. In the Nez Perce camp, people awoke to cold and cloudy weather. Early morning calm
was soon shattered as a cavalry charge came from the southeast.   Despite the surprise, the Nez
Perce inflicted heavy casualties on the frontal attack made by Company K of the 7th Cavalry.
The 2nd Calvary made a flanking movement to the west, successfully separating the Nez Perce
from their horses.   With the 7th Cavalry reinforced by the 5th Infantry, the Nez Perce were forced
to the north end of their camp.   The army secured the bluff to the south.   The Nez Perce held
their position and prevented any further advance.   Both sides suffered heavy casualties the first
day. The Army lost 23 soldiers, and had 45 wounded. The Nez Perce lost 27 men and women
with another 46 wounded.   Later three additional Nez Perce civilians were killed when canon fire
hit their shelter area.   During the first day of action about 150 Nez Perce were able to flee north
to Canada.   Many reached the camp of Sitting Bull with word of the events at Bear Paw.   A few
were given refuge by local tribes, some were killed, while others were captured and turned over
to the Army.

16 Miles South of Chinook on Cleveland Road

Unable to defeat the Nez Perce, the troops encircled and laid siege to the camp.   On October 4,
General Howard arrived with a small escort, and the possibility of reinforcements.   With concern
for the welfare of the women and children, and on the promises of Miles and Howard, Joseph
agreed to quit the fight.   On the afternoon of October 5, Chief Joseph, representing many of the
remaining Nez Perce, ended the Battle of Bear Paw and the Nez Perce War by handing his rifle
to Colonel Miles.