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Nez Perce National Historical Park
Series of federally protected historic sites in the northwestern United States / From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Nez Perce National Historical Park is a United States National Historical Park comprising 38 sites located across the states of Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington, which include traditional aboriginal lands of the Nez Perce people. The sites are strongly associated with the resistance of Chief Joseph and his band, who in June 1877 migrated from Oregon in an attempt to reach freedom in Canada and avoid being forced on to a reservation. They were pursued by U.S. Army cavalry forces and fought numerous skirmishes against them during the so-called Nez Perce War, which eventually ended with Chief Joseph's surrender in the Montana Territory.
Nez Perce National Historical Park | |
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![]() Bear Paw Battlefield in Montana | |
Location | Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, United States |
Nearest city | Lewiston, Idaho |
Coordinates | 46°26′49″N 116°49′23″W |
Area | 4,561 acres (18.46 km2)[1] |
Established | May 15, 1965 (1965-May-15) |
Visitors | 344,517 (in 2022)[2] |
Governing body | National Park Service |
Website | Nez Perce National Historical Park |
Nez Perce National Historical Park was established in 1965, and a museum was opened at the park headquarters in Spalding, Idaho, in 1983. The 38 discontiguous sites span three main ecoregions, covering a wide range of elevations and climate. Numerous animal species inhabit the park areas, including several that are considered sensitive.