Following the Battle at White Bird Canyon on July 4, 1877, U.S. cavalrymen entrenched nearby at Cottonwood resisted attacks by Nez Perce warriors. East of here on July 5, 1877, Nez Perce warriors created a strategic diversion by surrounding 17 Mount Idaho volunteers. Two of the volunteers were killed and three wounded before help arrived from the U.S. forces stationed at Cottonwood. Meantime the Nez Perce bands crossed the prairie to join allies on the Clearwater. A circuitous path led to Montana and the war's end in October 1877.