Poker Joe facts for kids

Poker Joe (died 1877) was an important leader for the Nez Perce people during the Nez Perce War of 1877. He was also known by other names like Little Tobacco, Hototo, and Nez Perces Joe. His birth name was Joe Hale, and his tribal name was Lean Elk. Poker Joe was half French Canadian and half Nez Perce. He got the nickname Poker Joe because he really enjoyed playing poker and other games.

Poker Joe's Role in the Nez Perce War

Before the Nez Perce War, Poker Joe lived in Missoula, Montana. The Nez Perce, led by Chief Joseph, tried to avoid soldiers and local groups in Missoula. They traveled into Yellowstone National Park, which was new territory for them.

The Nez Perce needed someone to guide them. They found a prospector named John Shivley camping by the Firehole River. Poker Joe, who had a strong voice, helped translate for Shivley during the thirteen days he was with the tribe.

John Shivley later said that the Nez Perce didn't have one clear leader at that time. Chief Joseph was busy with important talks before the war. But Poker Joe was the one who helped get supplies and talked to tourists who were with the tribe during the war.

Lean Elk Leads the Nez Perce

Poker Joe knew a lot about Montana. He used his knowledge to keep the Nez Perce ahead of the U.S. Army for seven weeks. He pushed the tribe to move quickly, hoping to reach safety in Canada.

In 1877, after the Battle of the Big Hole, many Nez Perce were hurt or had died. Poker Joe, also known as Lean Elk, took over leadership from Chief Looking Glass. Lean Elk had experience hunting in Montana and knew the best routes to the Canadian border to avoid more battles.

Lean Elk's leadership style was very fast-paced. He led the Nez Perce caravan about 500–700 miles. They traveled from the Battle of the Big Hole to the Missouri River and then north toward Canada. For about a month and a half, Poker Joe led his people on a very difficult journey. They got some supplies at Cow Island, but it wasn't enough for the long trip. Food and bullets became scarce, and the tribe members were very tired.

Leadership Change

Lean Elk's fast traveling made the Nez Perce caravan very tired and weak. The constant movement was hard on everyone. On September 25, 1877, the tribal council decided that Poker Joe's leadership should end. Chief Looking Glass then became the leader again. This happened before the Nez Perce reached the Canadian border.

Death of Poker Joe

Poker Joe was accidentally killed during the Battle of Bear Paw in 1877. He was mistaken for a Cheyenne scout by a fellow Nez Perce warrior. The Battle of Bear Paw took place about 40 miles from the Canadian border. Here, the Nez Perce fought against Colonel Nelson Miles and his soldiers.