Battle of Camas Creek

Significance

The Battle of Camas Creek was a raid by Nez Perce forces on a U.S. Army encampment in Idaho Territory that resulted in the defeat of three companies of U.S. cavalry. The engagement occurred within the broader pattern of the Nez Perce fighting retreat of 1877, during which Chief Joseph, Looking Glass, White Bird, Ollokot, and Toohoolhoolzote led their people in an effort to evade General Oliver Otis Howard's pursuing forces. By defeating the cavalry companies, the Nez Perce were able to continue their retreat, maintaining their freedom of movement against a larger military pursuit. The battle illustrates the capacity of the Nez Perce to conduct offensive action against their pursuers even while conducting a strategic withdrawal.

Commanders (7)