Legends of the Old West: ENCORE – Nez Perce War Ep. 3 | “Battle of Clearwater”

Host: Black Barrel Media
Episode Release Date: December 18, 2024

Introduction

In Episode 3 of the Nez Perce War series, titled “Battle of Clearwater,” host Chris Wimmer delves into one of the most pivotal and intense confrontations between the Nez Perce tribe and the United States Army. This installment explores the intricate background leading up to the battle, the strategies employed by both sides, and the profound decisions that shaped the future of the Nez Perce people.

The Nez Perce Creation Myth and Homeland

Chris Wimmer opens the episode by recounting the vivid and graphic creation myth of the Nez Perce, highlighting the central role of Coyote, the trickster figure, in their origins. The narrative paints a picture of the Nez Perce’s deep spiritual connection to their homeland, particularly the basaltic mound outside Kamiah, Idaho, known as the Heart of the Monster—"Outside the small town of Kamiah, Idaho, there's a large basaltic mound that is the heart of the monster. It was the birthplace of the Nez Perce" ([01:06]).

Decline of Relations and Rising Tensions

For approximately three decades, the Nez Perce enjoyed relatively peaceful relations with American settlers, beginning with the Lewis and Clark expedition in 1805. However, the arrival of Christian missionaries in 1836 marked the start of a gradual decline in these relations. Despite this, the northern bands of the Nez Perce were more amenable to adjusting to reservation life and adopting Christianity, unlike their southern counterparts.

"The bands in the northern part of Nez Perce territory were much more accepting of the Christian religion and life on a reservation" ([01:46]).

Broken Treaties and Forced Relocation

The first treaty proposing a reservation was signed in 1855, followed by a second in 1863. The latter treaty particularly devastated the southern bands by depriving them of their ancestral lands. This betrayal led the five southern Nez Perce bands to resist relocation to reservations for over a decade. Tensions escalated in May 1877 when the U.S. government authorized military force to relocate these bands, culminating in the arrest of a non-treaty band leader and igniting the flames of war.

"General Oliver Howard arrested the leader of one of the non-treaty bands and that fanned the flames of war" ([02:50]).

Outbreak of War and Initial Skirmishes

The conflict officially began with retaliatory attacks by young Nez Perce warriors against white settlers, viewing them as invaders. These attacks led to the Battle of Whitebird Canyon on June 17, 1877, where a small group of Nez Perce warriors successfully routed a force of 100 soldiers and civilian volunteers. This victory emboldened the Nez Perce, prompting them to gather their possessions and strategic assets, including 3,000 horses, and traverse the Salmon River into the Seven Devils Mountains.

"After a small contingent of warriors routed a force of 100 soldiers and 11 civilian volunteers in Whitebird Canyon, the Nez Perce did exactly what the civilians feared they would do" ([04:20]).

Pursuit into the Mountains

General Oliver Howard mobilized a larger force of over 500 men to pursue the Nez Perce. However, the rugged terrain of the Seven Devils Mountains provided significant advantages to the Nez Perce. The tribe purposefully stayed in plain sight for a week to mislead the army into believing they were regrouping before heading west to the Wallowa Valley, Joseph's traditional homeland. Howard's subsequent attempts to track and capture the Nez Perce were met with continued guerrilla tactics and strategic evasion by the tribe.

"The Nez Perce did not disappear. For a week after the battle, they stayed in plain sight. They wanted the army to see them" ([06:30]).

The Battle of Clearwater

On July 11, 1877, General Howard’s forces engaged the Nez Perce near the Clearwater River in what would become known as the Battle of Clearwater. Initially, Howard's troops held a defensive position but were soon ambushed by Nez Perce warriors employing modern sniper tactics and unconventional warfare methods.

"While Howard tried to put his plan in motion, warriors splashed across Cottonwood Creek and rode up one of the ravines. They poured fire on the troops from the same ravine that the troopers were trying to use to attack the camp" ([22:06]).

The battle mirrored the infamous Battle of the Little Bighorn, with Howard's men finding themselves on high ground but unable to effectively utilize their artillery due to the challenging terrain. The Nez Perce’s strategic positioning and relentless assaults initially gave them the upper hand, resulting in significant casualties for Howard's forces.

Nez Perce Leadership and Strategic Decisions

Amidst the chaos, key Nez Perce leaders, including Joseph and his brother Olakut, orchestrated movements to safeguard women and children. As the battle intensified, the Nez Perce demonstrated remarkable resilience and tactical prowess, managing to repel Howard’s forces despite their own suffering losses.

"As they bounded into the water and hurried toward the other side, Perry's cavalry and Howard's forces did not follow. They had captured the village and virtually all of the Nez Perce's possessions" ([25:15]).

Retreat and Strategic Reassessment

By the end of the second day, the battle had turned into a devastating defeat for Howard's army. The Nez Perce, though battered, had successfully navigated the treacherous terrain, eluding complete capture. Faced with the relentless pursuit and the loss of their homeland's sacred Heart of the Monster, the Nez Perce convened a crucial council to decide their next move.

Decision to Relocate Eastward

In a pivotal council held on July 15, 1877, the Nez Perce made the monumental decision to move eastward across the Bitterroot Mountains in an attempt to reach the buffalo country of Montana. This decision marked a significant departure from their ancestral lands, driven by a combination of desperation and hope for freedom.

"They would go east. They would leave their homeland behind and start new lives in the buffalo country of Montana" ([28:30]).

Conclusion and Teaser for Next Episode

The episode concludes with the Nez Perce embarking on their arduous journey eastward, unaware of the escalating challenges that awaited them. Host Chris Wimmer sets the stage for the next installment, where the Nez Perce would face intensified pursuit from two American armies, leading to further battles and the ultimate test of their resistance.

"Next time on Legends of the Old West, the Nez Perce begin the journey of a lifetime. They cross the mountains and see some rays of light in their situation, and then learn that all their assumptions were wrong" ([30:00]).

Final Thoughts

Episode 3 of the Nez Perce War series offers a gripping and detailed account of the Battle of Clearwater, highlighting the strategic ingenuity and unwavering spirit of the Nez Perce tribe. Through expert narration and meticulous research, Chris Wimmer brings to life the complexities of this historic conflict, providing listeners with a profound understanding of the Nez Perce's struggle for freedom and self-determination.

Notable Quotes:

• Chris Wimmer ([01:06]):
  "Outside the small town of Kamiah, Idaho, there's a large basaltic mound that is the heart of the monster. It was the birthplace of the Nez Perce."

• Chris Wimmer ([02:50]):
  "General Oliver Howard arrested the leader of one of the non-treaty bands and that fanned the flames of war."

• Chris Wimmer ([04:20]):
  "After a small contingent of warriors routed a force of 100 soldiers and 11 civilian volunteers in Whitebird Canyon, the Nez Perce did exactly what the civilians feared they would do."

• Chris Wimmer ([06:30]):
  "The Nez Perce did not disappear. For a week after the battle, they stayed in plain sight. They wanted the army to see them."

• Chris Wimmer ([22:06]):
  "While Howard tried to put his plan in motion, warriors splashed across Cottonwood Creek and rode up one of the ravines. They poured fire on the troops from the same ravine that the troopers were trying to use to attack the camp."

• Chris Wimmer ([25:15]):
  "As they bounded into the water and hurried toward the other side, Perry's cavalry and Howard's forces did not follow. They had captured the village and virtually all of the Nez Perce's possessions."

• Chris Wimmer ([28:30]):
  "They would go east. They would leave their homeland behind and start new lives in the buffalo country of Montana."

• Chris Wimmer ([30:00]):
  "Next time on Legends of the Old West, the Nez Perce begin the journey of a lifetime. They cross the mountains and see some rays of light in their situation, and then learn that all their assumptions were wrong."

Join the Journey

To gain a deeper understanding of the Nez Perce's resilience and the broader context of the American West's tumultuous history, subscribe to Legends of the Old West by Black Barrel Media. Delve into exclusive bonus episodes and enjoy the entire season without commercials by joining the Black Barrel Plus program here.

This summary was crafted to provide a comprehensive overview of the "Battle of Clearwater" episode for those who haven’t had the chance to listen. Dive into the full episode for an immersive historical experience.