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Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce Indians Meriwether Lewis said of the Nez Perce tribe, "They were the most hospitable, honest and sincere people we met with in our voyage." Years later, the Elder Chief Joseph would receive his Christian name when he was baptized by missionaries. However, the elder Chief eventually became disillusioned with the United States when treaty disputes arose in the mid-1800s, regarding their homeland in the Wallowa Valley. Twenty five years after being baptized alongside his father at the age of five, Young Chief Joseph listened to his father's dying words: "My son . . . this country holds your father's body. Never sell the bones of your father and mother." Known by his Nez Perce name as Thunder Rolling in the Mountains, the young chief buried his father in what he called "that beautiful valley of the winding waters." When he refused to sign another treaty that would reduce their land by 90%, fighting broke out. Chief Joseph and his Nez Perce tribe were forced to flee from General Howard and the US Army. Their journey would take them through the Bitterroot Valley of Montana to Big Hole, where, on August 9, 1877, they were attacked by Colonel Gibbons as they slept. A tough battle ensued and the tribe continued their escape to Canada. However, Chief Joseph eventually surrendered just 40 miles from the border. It was here that Chief Joseph uttered his tragic words, "I am tired of fighting . . . . My heart is sick and sad. From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever." Chief Joseph went on to become one of America's great orators, as he devoted his life to the struggle for Civil Rights. <<More on Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce>>
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History: Chief Joseph Ranch ~ Lewis and Clark ~ Nez Perce Indians |
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