Famous Native Americans
Joseph was a member of the Nez Perce people. The Nez Perce lived between the Blue Mountains and the Snake River in the Wallowa Valley. The Nez Perce hunted deer, elk, mountain goats, and grizzly bears. They also ate salmon. At first, Chief Tu-eka-kas welcomed the traders and trappers, but more and more settlers were coming and staying.
In 1855, the soldiers called a meeting at Walla Walla. They wanted to trade the Nez Perce land for blankets and money. Chief Tu-eka-kas told the soldiers that his land was not for sale. For the next 16 years, the Nez Perce and the white settlers lived in peace. When the old Chief Tu-eka-kas died in 1871, the Nez Perce made Joseph their chief.
All but Joseph and four other chiefs signed a treaty to leave their land and live on the Lapwai Reservation in Idaho. In the spring of 1877, General Howard told Chief Joseph that he would wait 30 days for the Nez Perce to move to the reservation. If they did not move, the soldiers would come and force them to go. Chief Joseph told the Nez Perce they could not win a fight against the white settlers. They must go to the reservation.
During the next 30 days, the Nez Perce gathered up all their herds of cattle and horses. They headed with them to the reservation. While crossing the river, many of the cattle turned and ran back to safety. While Chief Joseph was back gathering the cattle, three of his warriors left the camp and started fires in the settlers’ homes. Eighteen people were killed.
Joseph had no choice now but to lead the Nez Perce into a war against the soldiers. When the soldiers retreated, Joseph’s brother Ollokot was behind them, helping the Nez Perce win the first battle.
Chief Joseph knew the Nez Perce could not win additional fights against the soldiers. He decided to take the Nez Perce into Canada to safety. Joseph took 700 Nez Perce through the Bitterroot Mountains. The Nez Perce knew how to find roots and berries for food. This helped them move quickly. The soldiers had to carry food in big wagons, slowing them down. The Nez Perce almost got away.
While the Nez Perce rested at Big Hole River, the soldiers sent messages on the telegraph wires for new troops. The new troops were not tired from the chase and were able to catch up to the Nez Perce. The soldiers gave a surprise attack at Big Hole River. The Nez Perce were able to drive back the soldiers, although many Nez Perce died in the battle. Chief Joseph’s wife and Ollokot’s wife were both killed.
When Joseph started north again, he learned the soldiers were blocking his way. He took 40 of his best warriors and had them travel in a straight line like the soldiers did. At night, the soldiers thought the Nez Perce were soldiers and didn’t stop them. The Nez Perce then stampeded the soldiers’ horses.
The Nez Perce started running again. They had a long, hard trip through Yellowstone Park. Many grew sick. At the foot of the Bear Paw Mountains, just one day’s walk to Canada, the Nez Perce begged to make camp and rest. At dawn, the soldiers surrounded the Nez Perce and began attacking. Joseph told his people to take cover on the hillside when the soldiers started to attack. Many Nez Perce died that day, including Ollokot.
Chief Joseph had a plan. He sent a few of his warriors into Canada to reach Chief Sitting Bull of the Sioux. Chief Joseph wanted Sitting Bull to send warriors to help with the fight.
Fighting continued the next day. Many Nez Perce were killed. When help did not come, Joseph raised the white flag. At sunset, Chief Joseph handed over his gun to General Howard and said he could stand no more fighting.
The Nez Perce were moved from place to place over the next few years. They lived in Dakota, then in Kansas, and Oklahoma. Chief Joseph kept his word and never fought again. He became a spokesman for his people.
