Chasing Down Chief Joseph Oregon November, 1877

Joseph Becomes Chief  In 1863… The gold rush forces the Nez Perce people to hold a council, six million acres of their land is taken.  In 1871… Joseph’s father becomes ill and is close to death  Later that year… Finally after serving many years as a tribe elder, he is appointed as chief of the tribe

The Treaty  Early in 1873 Chief Joseph negotiated with the federal government to keep his tribes land in Wallowa Valley  Suprisingly, the federal government agreed to this treaty, allowing the Nez Perce to keep their land, or so they thought…

The Wallowa Valley Picture taken at the west fork of The Wallowa river from the present day

Geographical Location  The Wallowa Valley is in North-Eastern Oregon  This landscape is ideal for farming  Right next to the valley is a fairly large lake

The Deal Is Broken  In 1877, General Otis Howard, of the United States Federal Government, instructed the Nez Perce people to move out of the land that was supposed to be theirs

The Beginning Of The End  Joseph eventually agreed to leave the Wallowa Valley and along with 350 followers settled in Whitebird Creek in Idaho.

Rebellion  Around 190 young men rebelled against this decision and attacked white settlers in what became known as the Nez Perce War.  Joseph's brother, Sousouquee, was killed during this fighting.

The Long March  Chief Joseph and his men began a 1,300 mile march to Canada.  However, on 5th October, 1877, the Nez Perce were surrounded by troops only 30 miles from the Canadian border.

Capture, and Beating  After meeting the Federal Government near Canada, Chief Joseph agreed to negotiations.  During the meeting Joseph was seized and beaten-up.  Nez Perce warriors retaliated by capturing Lieutenant Lovell Jerome.

Resolution  After a few weeks, Chief Joseph was released in exchange for Lieutenant Lovell Jerome.

The Aftermath  Eventually the Nez Perce resolved the conflicts after talks with Theodore Roosevelt.  In 1885 Joseph and his people were forced to move again and this time they were settled in a reservation in the State of Washington.  Chief Joseph died at the Colville Reservation on 21st September, 1904.

Chasing Down Chief Joseph Oregon November, 1877