Cow Island Landing
Further information: Cow Creek (Montana)On September 23, the Nez Perce crossed the Missouri River near Cow Island landing, the head of navigation for steamboats on the river and a collection and distribution center for military supplies destined for Fort Benton and other forts. They were only 90 miles (140 km) from the Canadian border. The Nez Perce surrounded the dozen soldiers defending the supplies, took what they wanted and burned the rest. However, the soldiers were able to send a message downriver informing Colonel Miles of the location of the Nez Perce.
From the landing the Nez Perce proceeded upstream on Cow Creek where they encountered a wagon train with more supplies which they also looted and burned. They turned back an effort by 50 soldiers and civilian volunteers under Major Guido Igles to pursue them. During their operations around Cow Creek, the Nez Perce killed five men and stole or destroyed at least 85 tons of military supplies. However, although they gained a cornucopia of supplies, they had lost a day of travel and that day “may well have represented the difference between success and a bitter defeat.”
Read more about this topic: Battle Of Bear Paw
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