History of the Bear Paw Battle field
The battle of the Bear Paw was the last major battle in the Indian wars. It ended the Nez Perce efforts to relocate to a new homeland after resisting being moved to the reservations. There journey started in June 1877 after several bands of Nez Perce refused to be relocated to the reservations. Numbering less than 800 with only 200 warriors they started there journey. Hoping that the plains of Montana would provide a safe haven for there people. When there plan did not work they headed for Canada.
On September 23 the Nez Perce crossed the Missouri river near cow island landing. At which a small group of U.S. soldiers where guarding stockpiled goods. The Nez Perce approached the soldiers for some food after being turned down they later went back and raided the stockpile of goods. After this the Nez Perce continued up cow creeek where they found a wagon train. After raiding and burning the wagon train they continued there journey. On September 29th Colonel Miles Cheyenne scouts found the trail of the Nez Perce. The next morning the Cheyenne found the Nez Perce encampment. That morning Miles hurried |
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