The battle of White Bird Canyon, which was the first battle in the war between the Nez Perce Indians and the U.S. Army, took place on June 17, 1877. In 1855, the U.S. Government had signed a treaty with the tribe establishing land control on a reservation for the Nez Perce population.

However, once the gold rush commenced five years later, miners infiltrated the Nez Perce land searching for treasure and the tribe began to lose control of the territory. Although they were facing expulsion from their own land, the Nez Perce remained peaceful. William Clark encountered a group of Nez Perce on the expeditions’ return from the West Coast and when the rest of the Corps joined Clark, the Nez Perce helped the men build canoes and continue on their journey. The Nez Perce chief at the time was Twisted Hair and he formed a strong friendship with Lewis & Clark.

Because of the Nez Perce’s history of being adaptable they agreed to work with the U.S. Government and move to the reservation. However, when the Government attempted to force the Nez Perce to sign another treaty diminishing their land by 90%, the Nez Perce refused. After a series of retaliatory acts between the Nez Perce and the U.S. government, the battle of White Bird Canyon ensued. During the battle, the Nez Perce had fewer warriors and weapons in comparison to the U.S. Army.

However, the Nez Perce’s knowledge of the land and control over their horses gave them a great advantage in battle. More than 34 members of the U.S. Army perished in battle but only three Nez Perce Indians suffered injuries as the tribe drove the Army off their land.

Researched, written, and narrated by University of West Florida Public History student Rachael Johnson.