| Chief Joseph, leader of the Wallowa Valley band of the Nez Perce in northeastern Oregon, was respected for his leadership, wisdom, and eloquence. In 1877, after the United States government opened the Wallowa Valley to mining and white settlement, hostilities erupted between Nez Perce warriors and white settlers. Joseph and other chiefs led hundreds of Nez Perce men, women, and children on a remarkable four-month fighting retreat over mountainous terrain toward sanctuary in Canada. Along the way, they outmaneuvered or defeated U.S. Army troops led by General Oliver O. Howard and others. Finally captured just 50 km (30 mi) from the Canadian border, Joseph surrendered with these words (read here by an actor), now one of the most famous surrender speeches in history. |
Hotmail
Messenger
My MSN
MSN Directory
