The Battle of the Big Hole was a pivotal encounter during the Nez Percé War, which unfolded in the summer of 1877. Chief Joseph, alongside his band of Nez Percé Indians, sought to flee to Canada after the U.S. government forced them to surrender their ancestral lands in the Wallowa Valley, Oregon. Their journey eastward, laden with women, children, and elderly members, was fraught with difficulties as they traversed the harsh mountain terrain of Montana. The U.S. Army, under the command of Colonel John Gibbon, was in pursuit to capture the Nez Percé and return them to their designated reservation. This led to a series of confrontations that culminated in the battle at the Big Hole River.On the morning of August 9, the Nez Percé set up camp near the river, unaware that the Army had planned a surprise assault. As the Army troops approached, the Nez Percé quickly mobilized and utilized the advantages of the natural cover provided by the surrounding land to engage their opponents. The battle raged through the day, with both sides taking heavy losses. The Nez Percé exhibited extraordinary bravery and tactical skill, employing guerrilla tactics against the more traditional military formations of the U.S. forces. Despite their efforts, the Army ultimately gained the upper hand, resulting in significant casualties and forcing the Nez Percé to retreat further into the wilderness, closer to their ultimate goal of escaping to Canada. The aftermath of the battle proved pivotal in the larger context of the Nez Percé War, marking a clear turning point in Chief Joseph's tactical plans and forcing the band to alter their course of escape amidst increasing pressure from U.S. forces.