Cow Creek

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Other Names: 

Date of Battle: September 25, 1877

Location of Battle: North Central, MT

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Participants: Major Guido Ilges of the 7th Infantry along with 24 scouts caught 700 to 800 Nez Perce Indians.

After their encounter with the army at Cow Island, the Nez Perce moved north up Cow Creek Canyon.   They soon overtook a 15 wagon freight train.  They wanted to buy supplies when along came Major Ilges with his scouts.  The Indians fired from the cliffs and the men in the train scattered.  Lt. Hardin and a detachment of soldiers brought up a howitzer but before it could be placed, the Indians had burned the wagons and were on their way north.  Two civilians were killed.

For more information see:

Encyclopedia of Indian Wars

Indian Wars of the West

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