Camas Meadows History
After the terrible losses at Big Hole, the nimíipuu pushed south into Idaho and then east toward Yellowstone. On August 20, 1877, a small group of warriors executed a brilliant raid on General Howard's camp at Camas Meadows — stealing his pack animals and forcing his pursuit to slow.
The Plan
After the horrific attack at Big Hole on August 9–10, the nimíipuu crossed back into Idaho over Bannock Pass and headed east toward Yellowstone National Park. General Howard's troops, which had not taken part in the Big Hole assault, pursued along a parallel route to try to head them off. Nimíipuu scouts located Howard's camp at Camas Meadows, and warriors decided to raid it to steal horses and mules — both to slow the general's advance and to protect their families ahead.
The Raid: August 20
Near midnight, 28 warriors led by Chief Ollikut, Chief Looking Glass, and Chief Tuxúulxulc'ut approached the army camp. Some crept quietly among the herd, cutting animals loose and removing warning bells. Others rode in cavalry columns, their disguise working just long enough. When a sentry fired a shot, the nimíipuu sprang into action. A four-hour skirmish followed across the sagebrush prairie as soldiers attempted to recover the herd. Just as the warriors began their flanking maneuver, the army sounded retreat. The nimíipuu had captured most of the mule herd and several horses.
The Aftermath
General Howard was left with insufficient pack animals and forced to ride to Virginia City, Montana, to obtain new mules. This delay gave the nimíipuu time to regroup and continue their escape toward Yellowstone. The army paid a high price: one bugler was killed, two soldiers died later from wounds, and several volunteers required medical care. For the nimíipuu, it was a tactical success that bought precious time — and demonstrated once more their skill as warriors fighting for their families.