The Military Route
The Trail Divides: Horse Prarie and Beyond
General Howard’s movements through the Big Hole are unclear and they differ from those of the Nez Perce through the Horse Prairie region. His written records indicate he and his men left the Big Hole battlefield on August 13 and kept “far to the left of the Indians’ trail.”
“The balance of Howard’s cavalry (some 180) ... left on the morning of the 13th ... following the trail of the Nez Perces up the Big Hole River to Poplar Creek.”
– Henry Buck
Howard received word of the warriors’ attacks at Horse Prairie while encamped north of Skinner Meadows. He left the main trail and pushed his troops toward Bannack on August 14.
Somewhere near the town of Bannack they camped at a site they named in honor of Lieutenant Bradley, killed three days earlier at the Big Hole battle.
The Soldier
U.S. soldiers in the war of 1877 came from a variety ofbackgrounds. Many were recent immigrants barely able tospeak English, others were educated Americans and a few joined simply for adventure.
Known as “walking soldiers,” the infantry proved to be the backbone of the frontier Army, more so than the glorified cavalry.
A soldier’s life meant low pay, ill-fitting clothing and bad food. Outfitted with outdated Civil War surplus and arms, they sometimes found themselves out-gunned by better-equipped adversaries.
As tension and hostilities between settlers and Indians increased, the poor foot soldier often ended up in harm’s way as he did his best to enforce what were sometimes unpopular government demands and policies.
Meanwhile, citizens of Bannack, the Beaverhead County seat, braced for the worst. The Beaverhead County Courthouse, later Hotel Meade, became a fortress where women, children and the elderly sought safety. With feather beds piled against the windows and food and water stored inside, the townsfolk prepared for a prolonged siege. Lookouts on nearby hilltops watched for approaching danger and prepared to warn those below by beating on drums. The fear of attack felt by the people of Bannack proved unfounded, as the Nez Perce bypassed the town by more than 15 miles.
Methodist Church
The Methodist Church in Bannack owes its existence to the events of 1877 and one enterprising minister, Brother William Wesley Van Orsdel, who had arrived as a civilizing force in this churchless community.
Once it was apparent that the community was safe from attack, “Brother Van” took advantage of the large number of settlers in town and recruited them to finish the construction of this church which can still be seen as part of Bannack State Park.
Fear of a Nez Perce attack spread to other parts of the region as well. East of Bannack, settlers in Marysville and Argenta sought refuge in a mining tunnel. Others barricaded themselves at ranches where log corrals and stout buildings were available.
At Bannack General Howard’s troops were met by grateful citizens who cheered them on “by their happy faces and welcome word.” Such a pleasant reception was a welcome change for the general, who had complained that people in the Bitterroot Valley “stoutly blamed us for chasing the Indians to their neighborhood.”
Bannack State Park
John White discovered gold on Grasshopper Creek in 1862.
As news of the gold strike spread many prospectors and businessmen rushed to the area hoping to strike it rich. Bannack served as the first Territorial Capital of Montanaduring the winter of 1864-1865. In 1863 many prospectors
left Bannack in hopes of striking it rich in Virginia City where goldhad been discovered. From the late 1860’s to the 1930’s, Bannack continued as a mining town but by the 1950’s gold workings had dwindled and most of the population had moved on. In 1962 the area was declared a National Historic Landmark. Today, Bannack State Park has over sixty structures, many of which can be explored. Tours and other activities scheduled throughout the season make this a worthwhile stop. Camping is available nearby.
Hotel Meade
In 1881 the county seat was moved from Bannack to Dillon andthe large brick building that had been the county courthouse remained empty until about 1890 when it was purchased by Dr.John Singleton Meade for $1,250. Dr. Meade remodeled andturned the building into a plush hotel. It became the center ofBannack social activity and temporary home of many Montana travelers. A large kitchen, dining room and living quarters wereadded to the back of the hotel. The dining room was lled with tables to seat four or six and could be rearranged for larger parties. Beautiful white linens graced the tables along with ne china. Hotel Meade remained open for business for many years, abandoned at times only to reopen to meet the needs ofBannack each time mining activity in the area revived. The hotel operated off and on until the 1940s.
