Year - 2010
Scale 1:1,000,000
Topo Lines - No
Plastic
Designated by Congress in 1986, the entire Nez Perce
National Historic Trail stretches 1,170 miles from the
Wallowa Valley of eastern Oregon to the plains of north-central Montana.
The Nez Perce Flight of 1877 symbolizes the dramatic
collision of cultures which continues to shape the West and
its people. A native people were force to flee their
homelands in a futile attempt to avoid war and save their
traditional ways. Immigrated European people found
themselves fighting neighbors who had been their friends
for many years. Traditional trails which had long been a
source of joy and sustenance became a trail of flight and
conflict, a trail of sorrow.
For those who look and listen carefully, the trail stories
still whisper in the winds. The trail memorializes not
only those who died during the flight, but those who
survived. Their tragic journey marked the end of freedom
for the Nez Perce and opened their lands to settlement.
Come learn how the Nimiipuu, pursued by the army, made a
hasty journey over this trail in 1877. See through their
eyes. Feel the pain of leaving their homeland for uncertain
future. Their example of fortitude and conviction is a
model of the Nimiipuu today.
