Chinook in Blaine County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)
The Battle of Bears Paw
The usual forked-tongue methods of the whites, which had deprived these Indians of their hereditary lands, caused Joseph and six other primary chiefs to lead their people on a tortuous 2000 mile march from their home in Idaho to evade U.S. troops and gain sanctuary in Canada.
These great Indian generals fought against fearful odds. They and their warriors could have escaped by abandoning their women, children and wounded. They refused to do this. Joseph's courage and care for this people were admired by Col. Miles who promised him safe return to Idaho. One of the blackest records in our dealing with the Indians was the Government's repudiation of this promise and the subsequent treatment accorded Joseph and his followers.
Erected by Montana Department of Transportation.
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. A significant historical date for this entry is October 5, 1877.
Location. 48° 35.726′ N, 109° 14.378′ W. Marker is in Chinook, Montana, in Blaine County. Marker is on 1st Street (U.S. 2) near Cleveland Road West, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 40330 US Highway 2, Chinook MT 59523, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 20, 2019. It was originally submitted on November 20, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 365 times since then and 50 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 20, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.