Big Hole National Battlefield, MT

 We set out to visit this National Battlefield because it was only about an hour from our campground and there was a stamp. The drive through the mountains was beautiful and very sparsely populated. More cattle than people. The skies were very dark and the whole time we were driving we were waiting for the downpour. We went over a mountain pass that was over 7,000 feet. We finally arrived at about 3:00 pm just as the rain started. 

This battlefield is not like others we have been to. Much of the park sits on Native American land and because so many Native Americans perished at the battle here it is hallowed ground. There is no driving tour. You must hike the trails. Since it was pouring and there was lightning and we had the dog who was not allowed we opted for just looking at the visitor center. Another major factor was the sheer number of mosquitoes.  

The center tells the story of the battle of Big Hole that took place on 8/9/1877 when the US ARMY was sent to move the Nez Perce onto the small reservation onto which they were being forced to move.  Big Hole was the first battle that started a four month war during which the natives and what belongings they could carry were chased by the Army over 1,000 miles into Canada.  The scattering of the Nez Perce has resulted in portions of the people being in Oklahoma, Kansas, Canada, Idaho, Oregon, Washington and Montana.