Nez Percé War

The Nez Percé were based in Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. The name Nez Percé means "pierced nose" and was used by early French settlers to describe those Native Americans who made holes in their noses in order to insert ornaments in them.
When encountered by William Clark and Meriwether Lewis in their expedition in 1805 they found the tribe very friendly. In 1855 the Nez Percé ceded much of its territory to the United States and settled on Indian Reservations in Idaho and Oregon. After gold was found on their reservations it was decided to move them to a new reservation at Lapwai, Idaho. In 1877 Chief Joseph agreed to leave the Wallowa Valley and along with 350 followers settled in Whitebird Creek in Idaho. Around 190 young men rebelled against this decision and attacked white settlers in what became known as the Nez Percé War. Joseph's brother, Sousouquee, was killed during this fighting. Although he had no experience as a warrior, Joseph took part in the battles at White Bird Canyon on June 17,1877, Clearwater on July 11 and at Bear Paw Mountain on September 30. Chief Joseph and his men now began a 1,300 mile march to Canada. However, on October 5, 1877, the Nez Percé were surrounded by troops only 30 miles from the Canadian border. Chief Joseph surrendered to units of the U.S. Cavalry near Chinook in the north of what is now Montana. After surrendering, Chief Joseph stated his famous quote: "Hear me, my chiefs, I am tired. My heart is sick and sad. From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever." Joseph now agreed to take part in negotiations with General Nelson Miles. During the meeting Joseph was seized and beaten-up. Nez Percé warriors retaliated by capturing Lieutenant Lovell Jerome. A few weeks later Joseph was released in exchange for Lieutenant Jerome. Chief Joseph continued to negotiate with General Miles. He also visited Washington where he met President William McKinley and President Theodore Roosevelt. Eventually some members of the Nez Percé tribe were allowed to return home but others were forced to live on the Colville Reservation. Joseph remained with them and did what he could to encourage his people to go to school and to discourage gambling and drunkenness. In 1885 Joseph and his people were forced to move again and this time they were settled on a reservation in the State of Washington.