Nez Perce National Historic Trail facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Nez Perce National Historic Trail |
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| Location | Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, USA |
| Nearest city | Lewiston, ID |
| Established | 1986 |
| Governing body | U.S. Forest Service |
| Website | Nez Perce National Historic Trail |
The Nez Perce (Nee-Me-Poo) National Historic Trail is a special path. It follows the journey of a large group of the Nez Perce tribe. In 1877, they traveled a long way. They wanted to avoid being forced to live on a reservation. This trail is about 1,170 miles (1,883 km) long. It was created in 1986 as part of the National Trails System. The U.S. Forest Service helps manage it.
The trail goes through parts of Oregon, Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana. It connects places where important events happened during the Nez Perce War. This war took place between June and October 1877. During this time, several Nez Perce groups tried to escape from the U.S. Cavalry. The trail includes 38 sites. These sites are part of the National Park Service's Nez Perce National Historical Park.
Contents
The Nez Perce Journey: A Story of Courage
In 1877, about 750 Nez Perce people made this journey. This group included warriors, women, children, and elders. They had signed the 1855 Treaty of Walla Walla with the U.S. Government. However, in 1877, they were being told to give up more land. This went against the treaty.
Why the Nez Perce Fled
The Nez Perce fought many battles with the 7th Cavalry. Their reasons for traveling changed over time.
- First, they were escaping violence. This violence happened when they were first moved to a smaller reservation.
- Next, they tried to avoid the 7th Cavalry. They wanted to reach a part of the U.S. where they could live their traditional way.
- Finally, they tried to escape to Canada.
Following the Historic Route
The journey began near Wallowa Lake in eastern Oregon. The Nez Perce then headed east into Idaho. After the Battle of White Bird Canyon, they crossed Lolo Pass into Montana. There, they fought a big battle at what is now Big Hole National Battlefield.
After this, the Nez Perce kept traveling south and east. They went back into Idaho and then into Wyoming. They entered Yellowstone National Park near West Yellowstone, Montana. The tribe left the park by crossing Sylvan Pass. They followed the Clarks Fork River back into Montana. From there, the Nez Perce headed almost straight north towards Canada. They nearly made it.
The Surrender and Its Aftermath
The Nez Perce were very hungry and tired. They fought their last battle north of the Bear Paw Mountains. This was less than 40 miles (64 km) from the Canada–US border. They then surrendered to U.S. authorities.
Chief Joseph is well-known for leading the Nez Perce on this journey. He helped manage the camp and travel. He also took care of the women and children. When they surrendered, Chief Joseph was the most important leader still with the group. He decided it was time to give up. A few members of the tribe did reach Canada. But most were moved to Kansas and Oklahoma. They stayed there for eight years. Later, they were allowed to move back to a reservation in Idaho. This was closer to their original home.
Exploring the Nez Perce Trail Today
The Nez Perce National Historic Trail passes through many different types of land. These include areas managed by the National Park Service. It also goes through National Forests and public lands.
When the Nez Perce made their journey, Oregon was already a state. But Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana were still territories. Most of the forest lands were not managed by the government back then. However, Yellowstone National Park was created five years before the Nez Perce journey.
The trail also crosses private property. It is important to ask permission from landowners before entering these areas. Only a small part of the trail is actually a walking path. But you can follow much of the journey closely by roads. Efforts are being made to protect more of the trail. This will allow more visitors to explore this important historic route.
