Legends of the Old West Episode: ENCORE: NEZ PERCÉ WAR Ep. 5 | “The Medicine Line” Release Date: January 1, 2025 Host: Chris Wimmer

Introduction

In Episode 5 of "Legends of the Old West," hosted by Chris Wimmer, the focus shifts to a pivotal moment in the Nez Perce War—the strategic maneuvers and relentless pursuit that marked the Nez Perce’s flight towards freedom. Titled “The Medicine Line,” this episode delves deep into the tactical decisions, leadership changes, and the harsh realities faced by the Nez Perce tribe as they navigated the treacherous terrains of Montana and Yellowstone National Park while evading the U.S. Army.

Aftermath of the Battle of Big Hole

Timestamp [01:14]:
The episode begins with a detailed account of the Battle of Big Hole on August 9, 1877. Both the Nez Perce and Colonel John Gibbon’s army suffered substantial losses, resulting in a tactical draw. This indecisive outcome underscored the resilience and determination of the Nez Perce, who realized that remaining on their ancestral lands would be untenable.

Key Points:

• Nez Perce’s Realization: The battle diminished their hope of living peacefully in buffalo country.
• Failed Alliances: The Nez Perce sought refuge with the Flathead Nation but were rebuffed, forcing them to continue their flight.

Quote:
"The Nez Perce had learned that their chances of living in peace in the land they called buffalo country were far worse than expected." ([01:14])

Leadership Change within the Nez Perce

Timestamp [05:45]:
A significant leadership shift occurs following the Battle of Big Hole. The respected warrior, Looking Glass, is supplanted by Lean Elk due to his overconfidence and failure to anticipate further U.S. Army pursuits.

Key Points:

• Looking Glass’s Downfall: His reluctance to send riders for reconnaissance led to a critical attack by Gibbon's forces.
• Lean Elk’s Ascension: With recent knowledge of the terrain, Lean Elk becomes the new leader, guiding the Nez Perce through hostile territories.

Quote:
"After the Battle of big hole on August 9, the Nez Perce lost faith in the leader of one of the five bands. He was a respected warrior named Looking Glass." ([07:00])

The March and Increasing Hostilities

Timestamp [07:30]:
Under Lean Elk’s leadership, the Nez Perce embarked on a perilous journey across Montana, facing relentless attacks from both U.S. soldiers and hostile settlers.

Key Points:

• Hostile Encounters: The Nez Perce attacked five ranchers and five teamsters, viewing all white settlers as enemies.
• Tribal Conflicts: Local Shoshone and Bannock tribes either collaborated with the U.S. Army or refused to assist the Nez Perce, further isolating them.

Quote:
"They now viewed all white settlers as enemies, and they killed five ranchers who did not flee to Bannack." ([07:30])

The Nez Perce in Yellowstone National Park

Timestamp [13:50]:
As the Nez Perce entered Yellowstone, America's first national park, they encountered tourists and established tourist infrastructure, which added a new layer of complexity to their escape.

Key Points:

• Confrontations with Tourists: The Nez Perce kidnapped and attacked tourists, including a notable incident involving a German immigrant near Mammoth Hot Springs.
• Strategic Decisions: Faced with limited options, the Nez Perce chose the eastern trail towards the Absaroka Mountains, despite the looming winter.

Quote:
"They kidnapped a group of tourists and held them for a short period before letting them go. They attacked a second group and killed a man." ([09:24])

Escalation of the Pursuit by U.S. Army

Timestamp [17:30]:
The U.S. Army intensified its pursuit by coordinating multiple units under Generals Howard, Sturgis, and Merritt. General William Tecumseh Sherman ordered an all-out pursuit to capture or eliminate the Nez Perce.

Key Points:

• Trap Formation: Sherman orchestrated a coordinated trap involving the 5th and 7th Cavalry to block the Nez Perce’s potential escape routes.
• Communication Failures: Colonel Sturgis struggled with broken communication lines, hindering effective coordination with General Howard.

Quote:
"Commanding General of the Army William Tecumseh Sherman shut down the idea of Howard quitting. He ordered Howard to, quote, pursue the Nez Perce to the death." ([09:24])

The Canyon Creek Confrontation

Timestamp [25:10]:
A critical confrontation occurred at Canyon Creek, where the Nez Perce strategically avoided a direct clash with the U.S. Army by utilizing the terrain to their advantage.

Key Points:

• Nez Perce’s Tactical Victory: By dismounting and engaging on foot, Merritt’s cavalry failed to effectively challenge the Nez Perce, allowing the tribe to escape.
• Army’s Hesitation: The U.S. Army chose not to pursue through the narrow and rocky canyon, recognizing the danger and tactical disadvantage.

Quote:
"The soldiers never came within 500 yards of the Nez Perce rear guard and were never a threat." ([17:30])

Conclusion and Looking Forward

As the Nez Perce continued their arduous journey, they remained ahead of the pursuing armies but faced mounting challenges. The episode concludes with the anticipation of the final stages of their flight towards Canada, setting the stage for the ultimate showdown in the next episode.

Key Points:

• Nez Perce’s Resilience: Despite evading three American armies, the Nez Perce were still 200 miles short of reaching Canada.
• Upcoming Challenges: The impending confrontation with Colonel Nelson Miles’ forces promised to be the decisive moment in the Nez Perce War.

Quote:
"The US army had been bested again, but it was about to bring Colonel Nelson Miles and a new army into the fight for what would be the final showdown." ([25:10])

Notable Quotes Summary

1. "The Nez Perce had learned that their chances of living in peace in the land they called buffalo country were far worse than expected." ([01:14])
2. "After the Battle of big hole on August 9, the Nez Perce lost faith in the leader of one of the five bands. He was a respected warrior named Looking Glass." ([07:00])
3. "They now viewed all white settlers as enemies, and they killed five ranchers who did not flee to Bannack." ([07:30])
4. "They kidnapped a group of tourists and held them for a short period before letting them go. They attacked a second group and killed a man." ([09:24])
5. "Commanding General of the Army William Tecumseh Sherman shut down the idea of Howard quitting. He ordered Howard to, quote, pursue the Nez Perce to the death." ([09:24])
6. "The soldiers never came within 500 yards of the Nez Perce rear guard and were never a threat." ([17:30])
7. "The US army had been bested again, but it was about to bring Colonel Nelson Miles and a new army into the fight for what would be the final showdown." ([25:10])

Final Thoughts

Episode 5, “The Medicine Line,” provides a comprehensive exploration of the strategic decisions and relentless pursuit that defined the latter stages of the Nez Perce War. Through meticulous storytelling and insightful analysis, Chris Wimmer paints a vivid picture of a people fighting for their freedom against overwhelming odds. As the Nez Perce inch closer to Canada, listeners are left eager to uncover the culminating events of this epic conflict in the forthcoming episodes.

Stay Tuned:
Next week on "Legends of the Old West," witness the final stage of the Nez Perce's flight and the ultimate battle of the Nez Perce War. Subscribe now to Black Barrel Media’s "Legends of the Old West" to continue following this gripping historical saga.