Canyon Creek Battle Interpretive Site

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The Canyon Creek Battle Interpretive Site commemorates the battle between the non-treaty Nez Perce followers of Chief Joseph and the U.S. Army on September 13, 1877.

The battle that took place here was one of many engagements that occurred as the Nez Perce sought to avoid the loss of their sacred land and forced resettlement by the U.S. government. Their destination was Canada.

During the flight, 750 men, women, and children and an estimated 1,500 horses eluded the United States Army for nearly four months. While passing through southcentral Montana, they hoped for assistance from the Crow Indian Nation, longtime allies. Instead, the Crow, fearing retaliation from the United States if it collaborated, assisted the U.S. Army.

During the battle Crow warriors rustled hundreds of horses from the Nez Perce. This loss severely curtailed the pace of the Nez Perce flight and hastened their eventual surrender. In terms of casualties, the losses during the battle were comparatively minor. Historians agree two Nez Perce were killed. Five soldiers died either at the battle or in its immediate aftermath of wounds and injuries.

The Nez Perce people’s struggle for their freedom ended on October 5, 1877, with exhaustion and the loss of sufficient resources, including fighting men and leaders, to continue their fight.

At the surrender near the Bear Paw Mountains, located about 40 miles from the Canadian border, Chief Joseph said, “Hear me my Chiefs: My heart is sick and sad. From now where the sun stands, I will fight no more forever.”