Side Trip: Indian Pond and Pelican Creek, Wyoming
August 26 - Nez Perce camp at Indian Pond
The main band of Nez Perce camped another night around Indian Pond, just north of Yellowstone Lake. Oral histories recount how there were so many traveling in this group that many were still arriving in camp as the first began to leave camp early the next morning. The Nez Perce continued north and northeast from Indian Pond, following the Pelican drainage to the heart of the Absaroka mountain range.
Only one day behind, S. G. Fisher and his scouting party of twenty or so Bannock Indians attempted to follow the Nez Perce upstream to Indian Pond and then into the Absaroka mountains. They were deterred by the rugged terrain and numerous downed trees.
On September 1, James. C. Irwin, who had spent a week as a captive of the Nez Perce, was discovered on Pelican Creek by Scout S. G. Fisher. He was able to tell General Howard that the Nez Perce were headed for Clarks Fork River over rough terrain.
“We have just met an escaped prisoner from Joseph’s Band, his name is James C. Irwin, lately discharged from Co.G n2d Cavalry, Ft. Ellis [Bozeman]. He says he left the hostile camp about 8 0’clock this morning... This man Irwin will come to your camp and explain the situation. It will be very important to keep this man with you.”
- S.G. Fisher (civilian scout), September 1, 1877
Because of long-standing alliances with the Crow, it is thought that the non-treaty Nez Perce intended to find aid and safety with the Crow people after crossing into their territory east of the National Park. At a minimum, the non-treaty Nez Perce sought to pass peacefully through Crow territory to the buffalo hunting grounds on the Great Plains.
While in Yellowstone, Piyóop’yoo ay áy (Chief White Bird) sent four emissaries in an effort to enlist their aid. It is said that official aid was denied to the Nez Perce because some Crows feared retaliation by the U.S. Army. However, small groups of Crows unofficially aided the nontreaty Nez Perce. Oral history accounts reveal that Crows took several babies and young children from the Nez Perce for safe-keeping during the war. A few Crow warriors are also known to have joined the non-treaty Nez Perce while traveling through the eastern portion of the Park. Crow people also re-supplied the Nez Perce with some ammunition, fresh horses, and jerked buffalo meat while in that region.
For Hikers:
Storm Point Trail – 3 miles round trip
This easy 3 mile hike begins in the open meadows where the Nez Perce camped overlooking Indian Pond and Yellowstone Lake. The trail passes by the pond before turning right (west) into the forest. It continues through the trees and out to a vista of the lake at Storm Point. Following the shoreline to the west, the trail loops through the forest and returns to Indian Pond. This trail is often closed from late spring to early summer due to the bear activity. Inquire at the Visitor Center about trail closures before beginning this hike.
In recent years grizzly bear activity has increased in the Park. If you are planning to hike in the Park, be sure to check with Park personnel before you go. Know how to be safe in bear country!
