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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2002

Five Nez Perce bands who refused to be confined to a reservation in Idaho were nearing their goal -- the Canadian border -- in late September 1877 before they were caught.

The bands took advantage of low levels to cross the Missouri River. There, they engaged in minor skirmishes with civilians and Chief Joseph refused to surrender for two hundred bags of sugar, which he took anyway.

The Nez Perce took camp at the foot of Bear Paw Mountains. The Army was closer than ever.

Get the Story:
Nez Perce War of 1877: Safe crossing (The Billings Gazette 9/23)
Spirit of spotted horses (The Billings Gazette 9/23)

Relevant Links:
Nez Perce Tribe - http://www.nezperce.org

Related Stories:
Ceremony marks site of Nez Perce battle (9/16)
Ceremony to mark Nez Perce battle (9/9)
Nez Perce warriors roar into town (9/2)
The Nez Perce War of 1877 continues (8/26)
Nez Perce warriors roar into town (9/2) (9/2)
Events mark Nez Perce War of 1877 (8/5)
The Fort Fizzle Battle of 1877 (7/29)