Big Hole National Battlefield

Big Hole National Battlefield, located  southwest of Butte, Montana, is dedicated to the remembrance of the tragic Nez Perce - American battle of August, 1877.  The park commemorates the battle in August of each year.

The Nez Perce who camped on this land were trying to flee to Canada to escape the US government's demands that they move to a reservation.  The battle of Big Hole was the third of four battles that the normally peaceful people fought.

Big Hole National Battlefield is part of the National Park Service. It is also part of Nez Perce National Historical Park, which stretches across 4 different states.  It is open all year and located at over 6,000 feet in elevation where the weather can change quickly.  Check out the webcams to see the current conditions.

While there, learn about the Nez Perce leaders, Joseph and White Bird, as well as American leader John Gibbon.  See the rolling hills and walk along the area which was once the village.  See the framework of various tipis and imagine peaceful living and then sudden onslaught.  This is a moving experience, as well as one of appreciating all of the beauty in the area.