Chief Joseph – circa 1840–1904

Faced with removal from their homeland in Washington, a faction of the Nez Perce followed Chief Joseph for more than three months (June 17–October 5, 1877) in a trek of more than 1,000 miles through the rugged landscape of Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Montana, evading—often defeating—pursuing troops who greatly outnumbered them. Joseph finally surrendered at the Battle of Bear Paw Mountain in Montana, on October 5, 1877, delivering to General Nelson A. Miles a speech that has come to symbolize the nobility of Native American resignation in the face of overwhelming force: “Hear me, my chiefs; my heart is sick and sad. From where the Sun now stands, I will fight no more forever.”