One Last Mountain: The Nez Perce War

One Last Mountain: The Nez Perce War. . The ridge you are standing on was the last significant barrier for more than 600 Nez Perce Indians and their 2,000 horses as they fled the pursuing U.S. Cavalry. After the battle of the Big Hoel a month earlier, they drew knew the Army did not intend to leave any survivors. This became a "flight for their lives." , Now on the run for more than 60 days, they had hoped that by crossing this pass and reaching the plains they could join their old allies, the Crows, of hasten to join Sitting Bull in Canada. They began climbing to this point from the valley below. By this time, all were exhausted and heartbroken fro the long journey and aiding their sick and wounded. But they also knew that winter was closing in. It they could make it over this mountain fast enough, they just might escape the Army and regain their freedom. , Accounts tell us that the Nez Perce left a wounded warrior on this mountain. He was discovered and killed by Army scouts. Thus this site became known as "Dead Indian Pass."