Big Hole National Battlefield - Tragedy in Montana

[@redw.2452]

Qe'ciyew'yew (thank you) in nimiipuu as nezperce tribal member outsiders need to know because there not tell this in history class anywhere but there only one way and we where a peaceful people but they just couldn't leave us alone

[@AmericasParks]

Really appreciate those humble words, my friend! It's a shame so much history is forgotten and much of the rest is skewed to the interpretation/biases of the historian. I am honored that you were honored by this video. I really wanted to just look at the facts and present things as they were on my heart. I learned a lot. Have a blessed weekend and thanks again for the comment!

[@ATJHTRAVELS]

Definitely gonna check this out sometime love historical places this right up our alley ty for sharing

[@AmericasParks]

Appreciate that! Fascinating to visit, sometimes hard to make interesting on the video. Hope you can get out there!

[@adventuringoutdoorswitheric]

You're such a good narrator. I felt like you pretty much brought us to battlefield by us envisioning what you were telling us. It's a really sad part of American history that they don't really talk much about in schools. And yes I agree with you that the national parks do a great job of preserving these places. Awesome job and thanks for sharing this adventure.

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks, Eric! Appreciate the thoughtful response, my friend!

[@mr.doughboy1031]

Being a Salish native American I want to thank you. You did a very good job n in a very respectful manner. Thank you for being humble n a person of empathy

[@AmericasParks]

That was wonderful to read! I am glad we were able to visit this sacred site and that you felt the video was respectful and reliable to the history. Thank you!

[@mr.doughboy1031]

@@AmericasParks I was there just yesterday. I live about an hour outside of wisdom in Anaconda montana n originally from Polson. Flathead lake area. Thanks again. Means a lot to us n even my uncle who is 97 years old says thank you

[@VivianaBunea]

You did a great video! Thanks so much for showing us what was happening there.

[@AmericasParks]

Thank you very much! It was a humbling place.

[@garytruthteller2606]

Thanks for uploading. Beautiful, remote, (sacred) area. When I was there I had the place to myself -- I don't even remember a staff worker! Great place for meditation and reflection and getting one's love of history on.

[@AmericasParks]

Well said, Gary! Sacred place with so much to consider indeed. Thanks for the kind words!

[@21Swayzee]

Need to make my way to Montana one of these days. Thanks for the introduction, and insights to this historical park.

[@AmericasParks]

Hey buddy, appreciate the kind words! Hope you can get out there, its the closest we have to beautiful Canada here in the US!

[@Mikey-Likes-It_101]

Randy, This is outstanding video work and narration! Especially enjoy the reflections from Hailey and Natalie. I first visited this site in 1976, my Mom and I were both deeply moved by what happened here, and as beautiful as it is - I became ashamed, angry, and instantly hated it. Then, in the 1980s I returned on a fishing trip with my Montana uncle, and really got to know the Big Hole of Montana. It is so very peaceful, and the Big Hole River winds around back-and-forth, back and forth, walking / wading the shore and fly fishing for brook trout is a very rewarding experience. I came to love the Big Hole after I realized why the Nez Perce would like it so much. THANK YOU FOR THIS STORY AND VIDEO, . . . Mike

[@AmericasParks]

Good words, Mike! Just learned about the site when we were there and tried to share some personal reflections. Fly fishing at the Big Hole River, wow!

[@ElementaryExplorers]

These kinds of places are hard for me. I love that they are preserved by the parks system because they are so important to remember, but they remind us of powerful sadness. If you haven’t read it to your son, I recommend the book Naya Nuki. 😊

[@AmericasParks]

Me too! Just hope we learn from history and we repeat these mistakes in so many ways...even today. Thanks for the book recommendation.

[@GoingNoWhereFast]

When I go to these kinds of places. I can almost feel the spirits of those who died there. Its a very spiritual visit. Similar to Valley Forge, Gettysburgh, and the Flight 93 Memorial ! You do a good job telling the story ! (But then, you have some training in that area of communications).

[@AmericasParks]

Yeah, it's really moving to just stop and think at these places - imagine the fear, courage, uncertainty, screams, etc. from the very ground where you are standing. So humbling... Thank you!

[@dkstryker]

Awesome video with excellent quality & facts! I subscribed!

[@AmericasParks]

Appreciate that! Always tough to make the historical videos, especially of such controversial places. Just try to do the research and present things from an objective perspective as I can best interpret them.

[@DnSAdventures]

Excellent video sir! Not a historian? Well you could have fooled me haha. Thanks for going into the extra depth and educating us on the horrible events that took place here. Not all history is sunshine and rainbows but a lot can be learned from these long lost battles. Thanks for sharing sir. Really did appreciate all the effort you put into the editing as well. It shows you put your heart into your work. Have a good one. - Shane

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks, Shane! Did my best and tried to keep it as balanced and fair as possible without letting the emotions take over reason. I wish our nation would learn from these things - I believe we're the most divided I've seen America in my lifetime. No civility, little education and too much politics.

[@DnSAdventures]

@@AmericasParks Agreed on all fronts! Interesting times we live in.

[@filmingfamily]

Thanks for an interesting insight into the US history. You are brilliant with capturing and narrating - I can really feel the atmosphere which is sad and fascinating at the same time. And of course, I enjoyed the remote wilderness, very nice. Thank you Randy!

[@AmericasParks]

Appreciate those kind sentiments, Veronica! "Sad and fascinating" - two really good words that expressed my emotions as well.

[@RobertLWard]

Great video Randy. Having worked on a Indian reservation for over 20 years, I am still drawn to hear the stories regarding the History of the many tribes throughout the country. Looks like you will be very busy for while with all these clips backed up. Cant wait to see them all. Glad you made it home from Arizona safe and sound.

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks! One more from the Montana trip, then off to some new stuff. Hope to edit some AZ vids before the end of the month.

[@OmNomNomProduction]

Good video! Interesting to watch! Thumbs up)

[@AmericasParks]

Really appreciate that! Have a great week!

[@TouringTastebuds]

Really enjoyed the information on this one, crazy to hear about the conflict and misunderstandings that happened. Greed and revenge are never a good combo, awesome job sharing this tragedy.

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks, tried to make it interesting and respectful. Enjoy your week!

[@harrychandler6670]

One of your best!! Some locales definitely require reverence and contemplation.

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks, my friend! Didn't know anything about this place - visited and just said what first came to my mind.

[@harrychandler6670]

I liked your girls reactions. My earliest memories were visiting Civil War battlefields when I was just a youngin'. It is one thing I miss about being a parent, yet living in Utah. I didn't get to share that eastern state's history with my boys. But they sure have a feel for the west. So much so one is a National Park Service Ranger (Canyonlands) and the other is just starting out on his Natural Resources major.

[@AmericasParks]

@@harrychandler6670 Net to hear! I started in that direction with life, but couldn't make it out of a 5 credit Botany class my freshman year!

[@SmokinLoon5150]

Nice job at keeping it historical and NOT making it in to commentary of right/wrong. People will never learn history if they can't stand back and look at things in 3rd party mode. Of course what you've said is true: it is sacred ground because of what happened there. Nice work and thanks for sharing!

[@AmericasParks]

That was an encouraging comment to read! So tough to find the best format to capture these historical sites. On this one it's like you said - go there, learn and share my first impressions. Glad you enjoyed it!

[@SkinnyGPanda]

Haven't seen this area yet. My visit in Montana was to the Glacier area. This looks so cool though with the amount of history packed in it.

[@AmericasParks]

Yeah it was a little out of the way, but well worth the visit. It's nice to hit these often overlooked National Parks and experience the history firsthand. Glad to hear you made it to Glacier - that Park rocks!!!

[@angiejimenez853]

Love your guys’ videos!

[@AmericasParks]

Thank you very much! Have a great week!

[@DestinationEarth]

Those cows had an awesome view. So many things are about greed. Still is. I'm glad you had a chance to share this history with us.

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks, humbling and sad - but good to be aware of the past lest we repeat our mistakes. Have a great week, Josh!

[@WithinHikingDistance]

Some parts of Montana are desolate. You better make sure you have enough gas to go where you want to go and stop if you ever see a small gas station! It's a place charged emotionally during very unstable times. Believing that the natives would surrender seems a bit naive, even though the natives likely knew it would lead them to a certain death. Always enjoy watching your videos Randy - you are a fantastic storyteller!

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks so much - great way to start my day reading your kind, insightful and encouraging words!

[@charleyreed4702]

I never met either of my Grandpa's or Grandma's. But fortunatly there was a Cherokee Lady that lived near our farm, She was born in 1876 and was very intelligent, I claimed her as my Grandma. She taught me a lot about life..And many ways to survive. ( I owe her) I have and still could survive alone in bad situations. thank you for the Story and video about the Nez Perce, They and other Tribes had a very tough life. I Pray that you and all your Family will have a Great Healthy Safe Life. May God be with Ya'll. Charley.

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks, Charley! Interesting to learn a little about your upbringing. Tough times in American history. God bless you, my friend!

[@SenjaAldee]

wow the place looks so great my friend.. so nice view, we do not have so much flat area like that here in Bali

[@AmericasParks]

Beautiful area, sad history though. Thanks for watching.

[@redfox951]

Job well done! Thanks for explaining this in an UN-BIASED approach

[@AmericasParks]

Much appreciated, Jerry!

[@petermcculloch4933]

Back in the seventies, I hitchhiked down to the battlefield from Butte.Now, all these years later, I am home in Australia, but I still have a clear recollection of the day I visited the hallowed site.

[@AmericasParks]

Nice to hear you've been there. Amazing to consider what took place on those grounds.

[@petermcculloch4933]

@@AmericasParks The White Bird Canyon Battlefield, where the Nez Perce defeated Captain Perry's command and the BearPaws Battlefield, where the Nez Perce surrender to General Miles, are also interesting places to visit.Infact, the entire 1500 mile trail, the Nez Perce followed during their retreat, is marked for the fit tourist, with time available, to retrace.

[@AmericasParks]

@@petermcculloch4933 Thanks for the comment. Heard incredible things about those locations. Hope to get out there!

[@Scott-q8b]

I grew up there did some logging on the mountain behind you battle mountain forest fire went through we salvage the timber off the burn my family had a lumber mill in town of wisdom 20 miles east of the battlefield public school field trip to it several times

[@beverlystewart5518]

Tragedy, and the native Americans always got the short stick in every deal. So very sad to contemplate all that they went through.

[@AmericasParks]

Just hope we do a better job as a nation learning from history! Thanks for watching and commenting, Beverly!

[@billcoffey2099]

Well done video. All wars are tragic and they are an unfortunate and enduring human condition. In perspective though, this Big Hole battle resulted in approx 121 persons being killed (about 90 Nez Perce, 31 U.S. Soldiers and volunteers). By comparison, in 2021 there were 797 murders in the city of Chicago, and another 121 so far in 2022 (up until 18 March 2022). The Chicago losses JUST in 2021 were 6.5 times the total losses during this battle. Should Chicago be established as a "National Battlefield" under the National Park Service? "To honor the people who lost their lives, again, for a variety of reasons, some were just trying to find a safer place, .... people did what they thought was right, ... but it led to conflict and a lot of hostility, ... when people can't get along and move together for one common purpose, and when people refuse to hear other people's perspectives and understand where people are coming from on a given issue, ... it leads to conflict, bloodshed, ..." Truer words have not been spoken.

[@AmericasParks]

Hi Bill, appreciate the kind words and insights, Your point about Chicago is spot on. Obviously we put a different value on different lives. Take care!

[@jjbailey3972]

Great video!!!

[@AmericasParks]

Appreciate that! Have a super weekend...

[@rogerashmore6720]

Great job!

[@AmericasParks]

Thank you, Roger!

[@LifewithKenandJane]

Number 14 like. Btw i saw one of your videos say how to climbe half dome.....i am never going to do that, so i will come back tonight and watch you...lol. You go for it

[@AmericasParks]

lol! It was intense, but not as bad as I originally thought. As for time, we finished it before dinner and as for the fear factor, I always felt secure in-between the cables. Hope you enjoy it!

[@WireMan-rg1kc]

I was disappointed that you did not mention the canon that was pulled up to the hillside overlooking the campsite and the attack by the Indians on this canon and the soldiers manning it.

[@AmericasParks]

Sorry about that. It was a quick stop and I literally learned about the site in the short time I was there.

[@waynesigmon5628]

I was there in 2005 with my father I was glad to be there with my dad because he was killed in an accident two years later in 2007

[@AmericasParks]

Really sorry to hear that Wayne. Thankful for the good memories you share together.

[@danyellerobinson5940]

In Indigenous culture, a life for a life is not revenge but the restoration of balance. Another option was to take over the responsibilities of the one whose death you caused.

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks for the feedback. This was sobering place.

[@danyellerobinson5940]

@@AmericasParks Indeed.

[@normiewoo787]

Sad.

[@AmericasParks]

Sure was...

[@Thunderchild505]

🙏 🤲

[@AmericasParks]

Thanks for watching! It was sad yet important to learn about this historic event.