White Bird Battlefield - National Parks Gallery

White Bird Battlefield is the location of the first battle of the Nez Perce Flight of 1877. On June 17, 1877, Captain David Perry and his troops moved into the canyon to strike the native encampment. However, they encountered a peace party of six Nez Perce riding towards them. A civilian shot twice at the peace party and the battle began. The U.S. cavalry was defeated with heavy losses and the Nimiipuu began their long journey to find safety and sanctuary.