Legends of the Old West: ENCORE - NEZ PERCÉ WAR Ep. 4 | “Thunder In The Mountains” Summary

Episode Release Date: December 25, 2024
Hosted by: Black Barrel Media
Series Focus: Exploring pivotal figures and events that shaped the American West, including lawmen, outlaws, and significant conflicts.

Introduction

In the fourth episode of the Nez Perce War series titled “Thunder In The Mountains,” host Chris Wimmer delves deep into the tumultuous events of mid-1877 that ignited the Nez Perce War. This episode meticulously chronicles the strategic maneuvers, key battles, and the indomitable spirit of the Nez Perce people as they fought to preserve their homeland and way of life.

Catalyst for Conflict: The Nez Perce's Relocation

Background (06:00 - 12:00):
The Nez Perce War was precipitated by the U.S. government's insistence that the Nez Perce relocate to a reservation. After years of resistance, General Oliver Howard issued an ultimatum: move by June 15 or face forceful relocation. The Nez Perce, comprised of five non-treaty bands, had steadfastly resisted this mandate for thirteen years.

Key Event (12:00 - 19:00):
Shortly after Howard's ultimatum, tensions erupted when a group of Nez Perce warriors killed 18 white settlers. This act compelled the U.S. Army to respond decisively, pushing the Nez Perce into a series of battles that marked the beginning of the war. Realizing that compliance with Howard's deadline was unattainable, the Nez Perce made a pivotal decision to flee their ancestral lands.

Notable Quote:

“They were going to move their entire civilization over the Bitter Root Mountains and down into what they called the buffalo country of Montana. Nothing like it had ever been attempted.”
— Chris Wimmer (15:45)

The Great March Begins: Crossing the Lolo Trail

Journey Commencement (19:00 - 28:00):
On July 16, 1877, the Nez Perce embarked on their arduous journey towards the Bitterroot Mountains via the Lolo Trail. This trail, notoriously difficult as described by General William Tecumseh Sherman, posed significant challenges with its steep ascents and treacherous terrains. Despite these obstacles, the Nez Perce, numbering around 750 with 2,000 horses, pressed forward with determination.

Strategic Moves (28:00 - 37:00):
General Howard, aware of the strategic importance of the Lolo Trail, decided against a direct pursuit, opting instead to send a detachment north while leading the majority of his forces in direct pursuit. This decision was influenced by local civilian concerns about potential Nez Perce retaliations if Howard diverted north.

Notable Quote:

“The Nez Perce had used Lolo Trail for generations to cross into the high plains to hunt buffalo with their friends, the Flathead and the Crow.”
— Chris Wimmer (25:30)

Facing New Challenges: Arrival at Missoula and Big Hole

Missoula's Response (37:00 - 49:00):
As the Nez Perce advanced, news of their movements reached Missoula, Montana, inciting panic among the settlers. Captain Charles Rahn led a small contingent of 35 men to intercept the Nez Perce, leading to the erection of a makeshift blockade. However, the Nez Perce, leveraging their superior knowledge of the terrain, maneuvered around Rahn’s blockade, continuing their eastward trek.

Settlement Dynamics (49:00 - 58:00):
In the Bitterroot Valley, initial tensions between the Nez Perce and settlers eased somewhat as trade commenced. The Nez Perce exchanged goods, including gold, which fostered a tentative peace. However, the impending arrival of Colonel John Gibbon's forces from the east threatened this fragile stability.

Notable Quote:

“There was a small army contingent stationed at Missoula. It was just 35 men, led by Captain Charles Rahn... All of western Montana exploded into panic.”
— Chris Wimmer (47:15)

The Battle of Big Hole: Clash of Strategies and Survival

Gibbon’s Pursuit and Tactical Errors (58:00 - 1:12:00):
Colonel John Gibbon, a seasoned commander from the 1876 campaigns, spearheaded a substantial military force of 700 men to pursue the Nez Perce. His column, comprising cavalry, infantry, artillery, civilian volunteers, and Native American scouts, was well-equipped but ultimately underestimated the resilience and strategic prowess of the Nez Perce.

Positioning and Ambush (1:12:00 - 1:21:00):
On August 8, 1877, Lieutenant James Bradley, leading Gibbon’s scouts, spotted the Nez Perce at Big Hole. Gibbon meticulously planned an ambush, expecting a swift victory through a surprise attack. As his troops initiated the assault at 4:00 AM, a lone Nez Perce man inadvertently triggered the offensive, leading to the full-scale Battle of Big Hole.

Significant Engagements (1:21:00 - 1:40:00):
The initial phases of the battle were brutal, with intense gunfire and strategic maneuvers from both sides. The Nez Perce defenders utilized the river’s bend effectively, positioning their horses strategically and employing guerrilla tactics. The fighting resulted in substantial casualties on both sides, with Lieutenant Bradley being killed early in the conflict, deeply impacting the morale of Gibbon’s forces.

Turning Point (1:40:00 - 1:50:00):
Despite early advantages, Gibbon's forces struggled to maintain momentum due to tactical missteps, such as the premature halting of their charge and the underutilization of their artillery. The Nez Perce, capitalizing on these errors, launched a counteroffensive, forcing Gibbon to organize a retreat under dire circumstances.

Notable Quotes:

“The initial assault was horrifying for the Nez Perce. The soldiers stormed the village and laid waste to several parts of it.”
— Chris Wimmer (1:30:25)

“He managed to organize an orderly retreat before his force devolved into total chaos.”
— Chris Wimmer (1:38:50)

Aftermath and Strategic Implications

Casualties and Consequences (1:50:00 - 1:58:00):
The Battle of Big Hole resulted in significant losses: the Nez Perce suffered between 40 and 100 casualties, including key warriors like Shore Crossing, while Gibbon’s forces lost 23 soldiers and six civilians. These losses, though not utterly devastating, underscored the formidable resistance posed by the Nez Perce.

Strategic Shifts (1:58:00 - 2:05:00):
Post-battle, the Nez Perce recognized the relentless pursuit by U.S. forces and the need for continued evasive tactics. Meanwhile, Gibbon was compelled to regroup and seek reinforcements, intensifying the military campaign against the Nez Perce.

Notable Quote:

“For Gibbon, it was to unite with General Howard. For the Nez Perce, it was to understand that this was a wake-up call.”
— Chris Wimmer (1:55:30)

Conclusion and Looking Forward

The Battle of Big Hole marked a critical juncture in the Nez Perce War, highlighting both the tactical brilliance of the Nez Perce leaders and the underestimations by U.S. military commanders. As the conflict escalated, the Nez Perce remained resolute in their quest for freedom, setting the stage for subsequent engagements that would further define this historic struggle.

Upcoming Episode Teaser:
In the next installment, the Nez Perce will renew their tactical resistance against General Howard's forces and embark on a daring maneuver towards Yellowstone National Park, intensifying their fight for autonomy and survival.

Final Quote:

“They were alone, and they would have only one choice left.”
— Chris Wimmer (1:59:45)

Key Insights and Reflections

• Leadership and Morale: The loss of key leaders like Lieutenant Bradley significantly impacted the morale and strategic capabilities of Gibbon’s forces, demonstrating the importance of leadership in military engagements.

• Strategic Terrain Utilization: The Nez Perce’s intimate knowledge of the terrain provided them with substantial tactical advantages, enabling effective guerrilla warfare against a better-equipped adversary.

• Cultural Resilience: The unwavering determination of the Nez Perce to preserve their homeland underscores the profound cultural resilience and unity among the tribes during periods of extreme adversity.

Final Thoughts

Episode 4 of the Nez Perce War series offers a compelling narrative that intertwines strategic military maneuvers with the profound human elements of courage, loss, and resilience. Chris Wimmer’s insightful storytelling brings to life the complex dynamics of the Nez Perce War, providing listeners with a nuanced understanding of this pivotal chapter in American history.

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This summary encapsulates the key discussions, battles, and strategic decisions presented in Episode 4 of the Nez Perce War series, providing an engaging and comprehensive overview for new and existing listeners.