Near Joseph in Wallowa County, Oregon — The American West (Northwest)
"Only the sounds of the horses..."
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 29, 2017
1. "Only the sounds of the horses..." Marker
In 1877, the wal'wáama were driven out of the Wallowa Valley, which had been their homeland since time immemorial. Leaving was full of heartbreak and hardship. Over the next 1170 miles they would join with other Nez Perce bands, cross extremely rugged mountain terrain, and battle with the military in their attempt to reach the safety of Canada. Many died. Some reached Canada. Others sought refuge in the Blue Mountians, or were imprisoned in Oklahoma. Today, their descendants live on the Nez Perce, Colville, and Umatilla reservations, as well as in Canada, and in communities throughout North America. They continue to honor this sacred land full of memories and heritage.
This area marks the beginning of the Nez Perce (Nee-Me-Poo) National Historic Trail. The Nez Perce Trail is part of our shared history to be preserved and protected by all.
"I was a small girl then, and I didn't understand... I remember being so worried, because I had a new pair of moccasins, and I didn't want to ruin them crossing the river."
The moccasin story was told to Horace Axtell by his grandmother, who was a girl of six when she
this page online
Erected by Oregon State Parks, U.S. Forest Service and Nez Perce Reservation.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Native Americans • Wars, US Indian. In addition, it is included in the The Nez Perce Trail series list.
Location. 45° 20.544′ N, 117° 13.44′ W. Marker is near Joseph, Oregon, in Wallowa County. Marker is on Wallowa Lake Highway (Oregon Route 351) near South East Street. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Joseph OR 97846, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Salmon for Trade (a few steps from this marker); Putting Down Roots (within shouting distance of this marker); Iwetemlaykin State Heritage Site (within shouting distance of this marker); tiwi∙teqis (Old Chief Joseph) (approx. 0.4 miles away); Chief "Old" Joseph (approx. 0.4 miles away); Wallowa Lake (approx. half a mile away); 19 Dr. J.W. Barnard Drugs 08 (approx. 0.7 miles away); Nez Perce (approx. 6.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Joseph.
More about this marker. This marker is located at Iwetemlaykin State Heritage Site.
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 29, 2017
2. "Only the sounds of the horses..." Marker
The marker is in the back, on the right.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 11, 2017. It was originally submitted on December 11, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 182 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 11, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
