October 5, 1887 - Chief Joseph, leader of the Nez Perce Indians, surrendered to the American Army, ending a desperate struggle by his people for self-determination, and to maintain their traditional homeland in the Wallowa Valley of Northeastern Oregon.
"I have carried a heavy load on my back ever since I was a boy. I realized then that we could not hold our own with the white men. We were like deer. They were like grizzly bears. We had small country. Their country was large. We were contented to let things remain as the Great Spirit Chief made them. They were not, and would change the rivers and mountains if they did not suit them."






















