Reservation Era Begins 1850-1878

1877

Massacre of Nimiipuu (Nez Perce) at Big Hole (Montana)

Former adversaries Chief Joseph and Col. John Gibbon met on the Big Hole Battlefield many years later. Image: Big Hole National Battlefield Park
Former adversaries Chief Joseph and Col. John Gibbon met on the Big Hole Battlefield many years later. Image: Big Hole National Battlefield Park

Under Colonel John Gibbon, U.S. troops attack a Nimiipuu (Nez Perce) village, killing 90, including 33 warriors, before the Nimiipuu force them to retreat (“List of Indian massacres”).

Traumatic Event