Yellowstone National Park, Canyon Creek

At the beginning of September 1877, the Nez Perce emerged from Yellowstone National Park and were pursued by the 7th Cavalry under Colonel Samuel Sturgis. Though both sides surprised each other, the troops charged, trying to cut off the fleeing Nez Perce from the relative safety of the trees in Canyon Creek. The canyon mouth offered natural defenses for the Nez Perce. Positioned high on the slopes and on top of both buttes, the Nez Perce warriors kept soldiers pinned down while the women, children and elders escaped.