​Long before Lewis and Clark ventured west, before Jamestown was founded, and even before Columbus set foot in the "New World," the Nez Perce—who call themselves Nimiipuu—thrived among the prairies, rivers, and mountains of what is now Idaho, Montana, Oregon, and Washington.

According to Nez Perce oral traditions, they have lived on this land since time immemorial. This has always been their home.

Preserving History: A Park Across Four States

Nez Perce National Historical Park is more than a single location—it spans 38 sites across four states, covering over 1,000 miles of history. From river valleys to sacred prairies, each site tells a part of the Nimiipuu story.
 

Lewis and Clark Among the Nez Perce

In 1805, when the expedition of Lewis and Clark entered Nez Perce lands, they met a people deeply connected to the land—a land of abundance, rivers, canyons, and mountains. But for the Nez Perce, the arrival of these strangers raised profound questions:

• Who are they?

• What do they want?

• Should we fight? Should we help?

A respected elder, Wetxuuwíis (Wet-k'hoo-wees), answered these questions. As a young girl, she had been taken captive by the Blackfeet and later encountered fur traders who treated her kindly. Remembering their goodwill, she urged her people to offer peace, not harm.

The Nez Perce chose to aid the expedition, providing food, horses, and guidance in the fall of 1805. When Lewis and Clark returned in the spring of 1806, they lived among the Nez Perce for nearly a month—longer than with any other group outside their winter encampments. By the time they left, a formal relationship had been established.
 

Expedition Timeline: In Search of Sacagawea’s People

Nez Perce National Historical Park – Idaho & Montana

📍 August 8, 1805 – Beaverhead Rock, Montana
A moment of high emotion and historic significance—Sacagawea recognized Beaverhead Rock, a landmark of her childhood. The Corps redoubled their efforts, knowing they were close to the Shoshone. Lewis wrote:

“I felt a secret pleasure in finding myself so near the head of the heretofore conceived boundless Missouri…”
He resolved to push ahead to find Sacagawea’s people—or any tribe with horses—even if it took another month.

📍 August 12, 1805 – Lemhi Pass, Idaho
Lewis became the first U.S. citizen to cross the Continental Divide, reaching the Missouri’s furthest source. But his optimism faded as mountain after mountain loomed to the west—no sign yet of an easy water route to the Columbia. For the first time, Lewis tasted the waters of the Pacific slope, but the path forward would demand more than river travel.

📍 August 13, 1805 – Near Tendoy, Idaho
Lewis and his small party encountered a native woman and two girls—the first Lemhi Shoshone they met. After calming their fears, the group was guided to the main village, soon joined by a band of warriors. Though this was the Lemhi’s first direct contact with whites, they already had European trade goods.

📍 August 17, 1805 – Reunion and Revelation
Clark and the main party arrived later than expected. Lewis, growing concerned, sent Drouillard and Shoshone scouts to find them. The moment Clark arrived, Sacagawea discovered her brother, Chief Cameahwait, among the Shoshone. Their tearful reunion brought an emotional human connection to the journey and renewed hope. That afternoon, the canoes arrived—and the reunited Corps began negotiating for horses with Sacagawea serving as interpreter.

📍 August 18, 1805 – Lewis’ Birthday, Tendoy, Idaho
On his 31st birthday, Lewis reflected on his life and vowed to accomplish something lasting. Gifts were exchanged with the Shoshone, who began bringing horses to trade. The expedition now stood a chance of continuing west overland.

📍 August 20, 1805 – Preparing for the Next Push
Lewis buried surplus baggage and recorded cultural details of the Shoshone people, whom Gass described as “the poorest, most miserable nation I ever beheld.” Meanwhile, Clark was guided south by Old Toby, learning from Chief Cameahwait about a rugged northern route the Nez Perce used to reach the Missouri. The passage was brutal—but proved it was possible to cross the mountains.
 

Explore & Honor This Land

Nez Perce National Historical Park invites visitors to explore these places, hear their stories, and respect their significance.

For the Nimiipuu, this land is still home.

This is not just history told from the Mississippi looking west—it is history from a homeland looking out. It is a park about a people, for all people.​​

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