Last updated: July 28, 2022
Place
Cottonwood Skirmishes
National Park Service
Quick Facts
Location:
46°1'34.74"N 116°19'39.91"W
Significance:
Site of skirmishes between the Nez Perce and the U.S. Army during the Flight of 1877
MANAGED BY:
Private Property
Amenities
2 listed
Information, Parking - Auto
As the Nez Perce crossed the Camas Prairie following the battle at White Bird Canyon, they fought with the U.S. Army and volunteers near Cottonwood, ID. Skirmishes occurred between the U.S. Army and the Nez Perce for three days (July 3-5). On July 5, as the Nez Perce crossed the Camas Prairie to find a trail over the Bitterroot Mountains, warriors came across a party of seventeen armed civilian volunteers. The volunteers became quickly surrounded, which allowed the main body of Nez Perce to escape.
Getting to Cottonwood Skirmish Site
A historical marker with information about the Cottonwood Skirmish Site is located off of U.S. Highway 95, Apr 2 miles south of the town of Cottonwood, ID.
Driving to Cottonwood Skirmish Site
From Cottonwood, ID, continue south on U.S. Highway 95 South for 1.5 miles. Located on U.S. Highway 95 at mile marker 253. The highway pullout will be on the left.
Things to Do at Cottonwood Skirmish Site
Explore the Site
The Cottonwood Skirmish Site is now privately owned and is not accessible to the public. Two historical markers at the highway pullout off of Highway 95 provides information about the battle.