Chance Encounter Interpretation Sign Yellowstone National Park ~ Wyoming
Across the meadow, a fire burned in the campsite of nine tourists on the night of August 23, 1877. The Cowan party had unknowingly camped near hundreds of Nez Perce men, women, & children who were under violent pursuit by the United States Army. Through the darkness, the Cowan's firelight flickered & was spotted by Hemene MoxMox (Yellow Wolf) & other Nez Perce scouts. With the heightened instincts of war-town hearts, the scouts entered the camp at daybreak. They dared not risk the Army learning the whereabouts of their people. Instead of taking chances, they took the tourist with them.
The coming hours revealed human emotions found in any war: fear, anger, & compassion. A Nez Perce leader, Wa-wook-ke-ya Was Sauw (Lean Elk), released the campers with a warning to stay hidden, but the small group was later overtaken. This time tempers flared. George Cowan was shot & left for dead, but eventually made a full recovery. Others sustained shots or escaped. Emma Cowan & her siblings were released unharmed the following day.
*On a summer night in 1877, hundreds of "non-treaty" Nez Perce-bands refusing confinement on a reservation-camped near here. They journeyed 1,170 miles (1,883 km) in their quest for freedom.
Chance Encounter Interpretation Sign Yellowstone National Park ~ Wyoming
Across the meadow, a fire burned in the campsite of nine tourists on the night of August 23, 1877. The Cowan party had unknowingly camped near hundreds of Nez Perce men, women, & children who were under violent pursuit by the United States Army. Through the darkness, the Cowan's firelight flickered & was spotted by Hemene MoxMox (Yellow Wolf) & other Nez Perce scouts. With the heightened instincts of war-town hearts, the scouts entered the camp at daybreak. They dared not risk the Army learning the whereabouts of their people. Instead of taking chances, they took the tourist with them.
The coming hours revealed human emotions found in any war: fear, anger, & compassion. A Nez Perce leader, Wa-wook-ke-ya Was Sauw (Lean Elk), released the campers with a warning to stay hidden, but the small group was later overtaken. This time tempers flared. George Cowan was shot & left for dead, but eventually made a full recovery. Others sustained shots or escaped. Emma Cowan & her siblings were released unharmed the following day.
*On a summer night in 1877, hundreds of "non-treaty" Nez Perce-bands refusing confinement on a reservation-camped near here. They journeyed 1,170 miles (1,883 km) in their quest for freedom.