Bear Paw Mtns

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Other Names:   Snake Creek

Date of Battle:  Oct 3, 1877

Location of Battle:  Chinook, MT

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Participants: Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce were attacked by Colonel Nelson Miles along with the 5th Infantry, 2nd Cavalry, and 5th Cavalry.

After being lead across Montana by the Mountain Crows, the Nez Perce stopped to rest on Snake Creek while on their way to Canada.  The stop was long enough for Miles and the US Army to catch them.  After a few days of battle, Chief Joseph surrendered and that night Chief White Bird and about 300 Indians broke free and made it to Canada.  The battle killed 17 Nez Perce and Miles lost 24 men.

For more information see:

Encyclopedia of Indian Wars

Indian Wars of the West

Yellowstone Command

www.virtualmontana.com/montanadirectory/montanalistings/RC/montana9521.HTM

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