Nez Perce
The Salmon River Expedition
On June 24, 1877, Troop H of the First Cavalry departed Mount Idaho for Slate Creek, facing challenging terrain and inclement weather during their journey. They joined General Howard’s column to pursue hostiles after the Battle of White Bird. Following arduous scouting and a battle near Clearwater, despite suffering casualties, the troops failed to decisively defeat the Indian forces, who managed a strategic retreat. The campaign concluded in October 1877, marking one of the most significant episodes in Indian warfare history.
The Battle of the Clearwater
In a military movement ordered by General Howard, a troop of thirty enlisted men and three officers crossed the Salmon River to pursue the retreating Nez Percé Indians. Despite difficult conditions—including a torrential rainstorm and challenging terrain—the command advanced, only to find that the hostiles had crossed the river ahead of them. Following skirmishes and a defensive stance near the Clearwater River, Colonel Miller’s troops conducted a successful charge against the Indians. The engagement demonstrated the Nez Percé’s resilience, marking a significant moment in the campaign.
General Howard’s Comment on Joseph’s Narrative
In response to Chief Joseph’s narrative published in the North American Review, General O. O. Howard defends his actions during dealings with the Nez Perce. He asserts that Joseph misrepresents historical treaties and events concerning land rights and conflicts. Howard contends that he lacked full authority in managing Indian affairs, highlighting failed offers for peace involving land. He emphasizes that his intent was to maintain order and facilitate a peaceful resolution, countering Joseph’s claims that he instigated hostilities leading to the war.
Anecdotes of Chief Joseph
Chief Joseph, the renowned leader of the Nez Perces, passed away, marking the loss of one of America’s most celebrated Native American figures. As the last of the great warrior chiefs, he fought valiantly against the encroachment of civilization after the U.S. government retracted his tribe’s reservation. After years of conflict, he kept his word to cease fighting, living peacefully until his death near Spokane. Though his son Flo-Cut may inherit his legacy, Chief Joseph remains an iconic symbol of Native American resistance and dignity.
The Battle of Camas Meadows
In the summer of 1877, during the Nez Perce campaign, Captain Randolph Norwood’s Company L of the Second Cavalry encountered a skirmish at Camas Meadow after a grueling pursuit of the Nez Perce. Despite being outnumbered and suffering casualties, the soldiers held their ground against a well-coordinated Indian attack, thanks in part to Sergeant Hugh McCafferty’s bravery. Ultimately, they recovered some mules and continued the pursuit the following day, though the battle’s aftermath left many questions unanswered about their enemy’s losses.
Chief Joseph’s Own Story
Chief Joseph recounts the struggles of the Nez Percés, emphasizing his commitment to peace and the protection of their ancestral land. He describes treaties, betrayal, and the injustices faced by his people as white settlers encroached upon their territory. Joseph insists on the importance of recognizing Indian rights, expressing profound love for his homeland and the graves of his ancestors. Despite numerous promises from U.S. officials, Chief Joseph illustrates the harsh reality of broken commitments, pleading for equal treatment and understanding between races.
The Battle of White Bird Canon
The Wallowa Valley in eastern Oregon became a contested area between white settlers and the non-treaty Nez Percé tribe led by Chief Joseph. The tensions, rooted in conflicting government rulings over land rights, ignited hostilities in June 1877 when the Nez Percé failed to comply with a council decision to relocate to a designated reservation. As violence erupted, troops, under Colonel Perry, faced a disastrous encounter in White Bird Canon, culminating in significant casualties and marking the beginning of a protracted conflict known as the Nez Percé War.
The First Settlements the March of Progress
The first white settlements in Idaho were initiated by Jesuit missionaries prior to 1863, with Fort Hall established by Nathaniel J. Wyeth in 1834 as a crucial trading post. Early settlements were sparse due to harsh conditions and Native American hostilities. The 1862 discovery of gold in the Boise Basin spurred significant migration, leading to the rapid establishment of towns like Idaho City and Centerville. By 1863, as settlements flourished, Fort Boise was constructed for protection against Indigenous attacks, marking a pivotal era in Idaho’s development.
Idaho, the Gem of the Mountains, Origin of the Name
Idaho, known as the Gem of the Mountains, has a rich history shaped by the struggles and triumphs of its early inhabitants. Originally part of Oregon, Idaho’s development involved overcoming natural challenges and conflicts with Indigenous tribes. The term “Idaho” has various interpretations, often seen as “the dazzling white snow crest,” reflecting its majestic landscape. The state’s name emerged in the 1860s amid the gold rush, symbolizing a combination of cultural significance and the aspirations of its settlers, marking Idaho’s transformation from wilderness to a prosperous territory.
Early Explorations
In the early exploration of North America’s Pacific coast, Spain and France emerged as the primary powers. Spain, under monarchs like Ferdinand and Isabella, led maritime voyages, while France focused on land explorations, establishing a network of posts from Canada to the Mississippi. The French exploration efforts were curtailed after the Seven Years’ War, allowing Britain to gain dominance. In the late 18th and early 19th centuries, expeditions by figures such as Alexander Mackenzie and Lewis and Clark expanded geographic knowledge, paving the way for future settlement and exploration in regions including Idaho.
Historical Notes on the Work of the Catholic Church in Idaho
The Catholic Church has played a pivotal role in Idaho’s early history, with its missionaries arriving before settlers. Notably, Father De Smet initiated outreach to the Coeur d’Alene Indians in 1842, establishing the foundational Catholic missions in the region. The Most Rev. F. N. Blanchet, alongside others, worked tirelessly to spread the faith and establish churches despite challenges. Over the years, the Catholic community grew, with key figures like Bishop Glorieux leading significant advancements in church infrastructure and education, fostering a lasting legacy in Idaho.
The Indians of Idaho Nez Percé and Shoshone Uprisings
The original inhabitants of Idaho, including the Nez Percé and Shoshone tribes, lacked written histories and architectural monuments, relying instead on oral traditions. The Nez Percé, noted for their intelligence and social organization, were initially reluctant to go to war against settlers. In contrast, the more hostile Cayuses and Shoshones faced challenges adapting to white civilization, leading to tensions and uprisings. By the late 19th century, many Native Americans had begun to embrace agriculture and education, settling into a more peaceful existence on reservations.
Idaho Since 1890, Political
In June 1891, Idaho’s supreme court deemed the act creating the counties of Alta and Lincoln unconstitutional, highlighting the need for public approval for county divisions. Women’s suffrage was limited at school elections, requiring residency and property ownership for voting on taxes. The Republican convention in 1892 focused on silver coinage and labor protection, with W. J. McConnell winning the governorship. By 1896, the People’s Democratic Party emerged, advocating for women’s suffrage, which ultimately succeeded despite initial challenges. This evolving political landscape illustrated growing activism and ongoing tensions within the state’s governance.
Various Subjects
Presbyterianism in Idaho comprises three distinct histories: the Nez Perces, white settlers in the Panhandle, and the southern region. Initially established in 1836 by Rev. Henry H. Spalding, it faced setbacks including the Whitman massacre. Notable contributions came from Misses Susan and Kate McBeth, who significantly advanced the mission work. Organized presbyteries emerged in the late 19th century, fostering church growth. Meanwhile, Idaho’s irrigation development and mineral resources contributed to its population and economic growth, alongside a burgeoning fruit industry, positioning the state as a potential rival to California.
Discovery Of Gold in Idaho
Gold was first discovered in Idaho in 1852 along the Pend d’Oreille River by a French Canadian. Significant finds continued with General Lander and Captain John Mullan, who noted the presence of gold during explorations. In 1860, the Nez Perce Indian legend led to the Oro Fino excitement. By the early 1860s, gold rushes in various regions, including Florence and Boise Basin, resulted in substantial mining developments and population growth, despite obstacles like rough terrain and conflicts with Native Americans.
Pierce City Gold Camp
Pierce City Gold Camp is garnering significant interest from investors, particularly from Ohio, as mining operations expand. Notable developments include the Golden Gate Mining Company and the Milling Mining Company, which has commenced milling with encouraging results. The area’s ore is primarily free-milling gold quartz, advantageous for local processing. With substantial ore deposits identified in nearby creeks and promising mineral prospects, Pierce City is poised for growth, benefiting from improved infrastructure and accessibility, thus solidifying its status as a burgeoning mining district in Idaho.
Fort Walla Walla
On July 19th, after a twelve-and-a-half-day march, we arrived at Fort Walla Walla, situated in a picturesque valley near the Blue Mountains. The fort is garrisoned by four companies of Dragoons and two of Infantry, while preparations for an expedition commence under Colonel Wright. Notably, the Nez Percé tribes, initially viewed with suspicion, have become allied with us, a shift that could disarm opposing forces. Their unique blend of warrior spirit and Christian influence presents a fascinating study of cultural interplay in this region.
Biography of Chief Lawyer – Nez Perce
A biography with photos of the Nez Percé chief, Lawyer. With the exception of the Joseph war of 1877, the Nez Percé have almost uniformly been the friends of the Whites. Even in that conflict they were humane enough to abstain from scalping their captives, and even went so far as to give them water to drink when they found them wounded and alone.