Familiar Sight
130 years ago...
1877 Nez Perce Indian War
Camas Meadow Battle
After losing 250 of their horses and wagon mules in a
surprise raid by Chief Joseph's warriors the night before,
Capt'n Norwood's cavalry was surrounded east of
present day Kilgore, Idaho. His men built rifle pits with lava
rocks for protection. The battle lasted all day and
would have resulted in the annihilation of the troop but for
the arrival of Gen. Howard with reinforcements. The
command suffered ten casualties, three killed or mortally
wounded. The Nex Perce had two wounded.
Howard was delayed while he attempted to refurbish his pack
train, and the Nez Perces crossed Yellowstone Park unmolested.
Upper Snake River Valley Historical Society
