Chinook in Blaine County, Montana — The American West (Mountains)
The Battle of Bears Paw
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 15, 2019
1. The Battle of Bears Paw Marker
Inscription.
The Battle of Bears Paw. . This battle was fought September 30 to October 5, 1877, on Snake Creek, about 20 miles south of here near the Bears Paw Mountains, where after five days days' siege Chief Joseph, one of five remaining Nez Perce leaders, surrendered to Col. Nelson A. Miles of the U.S. Army. , 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.
This battle was fought September 30 to October 5, 1877, on Snake Creek, about 20 miles south of here near the Bears Paw Mountains, where after five days days' siege Chief Joseph, one of five remaining Nez Perce leaders, surrendered to Col. Nelson A. Miles of the U.S. Army.
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.
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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.
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, August 15, 2019
2. The Battle of Bears Paw Marker
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 356 times since then and 41 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on November 20, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
