Camas prairie facts for kids
The name Camas Prairie refers to several special areas in the western United States. These places are named after a beautiful blue flower called camas (Camassia quamash). The bulbs of the camas plant were a very important food for Native American people. You can find Camas Prairies in states like Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington.
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Camas Prairie in Idaho
A Special Place for the Nez Perce
The Camas Prairie in north central Idaho is famous for its blue camas flowers. For thousands of years, this area was a traditional gathering place for the Nez Perce people. They would come here to harvest camas roots, which were a vital part of their diet.
A highway pullout near Grangeville helps visitors learn about this important area. In early June 1877, several Nez Perce bands gathered at Tolo Lake on the prairie. They were preparing to move to a reservation. However, due to difficult situations and unfair actions, some young Nez Perce people took steps that led to the Nez Perce War.
The Camas Prairie is a very large area. It stretches for many miles between the Salmon River and Clearwater River. Much of this land is now used for farming. The northern part of the prairie is within the Nez Perce Indian Reservation. In 1895, the U.S. government opened parts of the reservation for new settlers.
The "Railroad on Stilts"
The Camas Prairie was also home to a unique railroad. It was known as the "railroad on stilts" because it had many tall wooden bridges called trestles. A movie called Breakheart Pass, starring Charles Bronson, was filmed on this railroad in 1975. The railroad stopped running in the late 1990s.
Towns and Counties in Idaho
Many communities are located in or near the Camas Prairie in Idaho:
The prairie spans across several counties:
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Southern Idaho's Camas Prairie
There's another area in southern Idaho that people call "Camas Prairie." It's a high plain in Camas County, near the town of Fairfield, east of Mountain Home.
Protected Areas in Idaho
- Camas Prairie Centennial Marsh Wildlife Management Area is a special place set aside to protect nature and wildlife.
Camas Prairie in Montana
In Montana, you'll find places named after the camas plant too.
Towns in Montana
- Camas (In the Ktunaxa language, this town is called ya·qa·kmumaǂki)
- Perma (In the Ktunaxa language, this town is called kxunamaʔnam)
Counties in Montana
Camas Prairie in Oregon
Oregon also has areas connected to the camas plant.
Protected Areas in Oregon
- Camassia Natural Area in West Linn is a protected space where camas flowers grow.
Communities in Oregon
Camas Prairie in Washington
The state of Washington has its own Camas-related locations.
Protected Areas in Washington
- Dishman Hills Natural Resources Conservation Area in Spokane County, Washington helps protect natural lands.
Cities in Washington
