Battle of the Big Hole

Battle context

The Battle of the Big Hole, fought in Montana Territory on August 9–10, 1877, was a significant engagement in the Nez Perce War, drawing forces of roughly comparable size on each side under commanders John Gibbon for the United States and Chief Joseph and Looking Glass for the Nez Perce. Both sides sustained heavy casualties. Despite the toll, the Nez Perce withdrew in good order, preserving the coherence of their force and continuing their long fighting retreat northward. The battle thus failed to break Nez Perce resistance; the tribe pressed on in its attempt to reach Canada and asylum, prolonging the conflict and underscoring the difficulty the United States Army faced in decisively ending the campaign.