Erected 56 years after the battle that it honors, this monument is interesting because it celebrates the history of the victors. Although the allied Indian nations won the battle that it commemorates, the larger war was lost. The only Indian casualties or achievements honored here are those who fought with Steptoe, the Nez Perce.

There are engravings on three sides of this obelisk. On one, is stated, "In memory of Chief Tam mu tsa (Timothy), and the Nez Perces Christian Indians, rescuers of the Steptoe Expedition."

These Indians are memorialized, because they were on the side of the victors and were feuding with those Steptoe fought against. There is no mention here of the reasons for the conflict, or that Colonel Steptoe had no legal right to be on Coeur d'Alene land, which this was at the time.

Another side states, "Killed in conflict, Capt. O.H.P. Taylor, Lieut. William Gaston, Sargt. Wm. C. Williams, Alfred Barnes, Victor Chas. DeMoy, James Grozet, Charles H. Harnish, All of the first dragoons, United States Army."


Photo: Lea Anne Scott 9/12