Chief Joseph: A Legend of the Nez Perce 1840-1904

Chief Joseph (1840-1904) Unit Study

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Language	:	English
File size	:	207 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	21 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

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Early Life

Chief Joseph was born in the Wallowa Valley of what is now Oregon in 1840. His father was a chief of the Wallowa band of the Nez Perce tribe. Joseph's given name was Hinmatóowyalahtq̓it, which means "Thunder Rolling Down the Mountain." He was also known as Young Joseph, to distinguish him from his father.

Joseph grew up in a traditional Nez Perce way of life. He learned to hunt, fish, and ride horses. He also learned the Nez Perce language and culture. Joseph was a skilled warrior and a respected leader.

The Nez Perce War

In 1877, the U.S. government ordered the Nez Perce to move to a reservation in Idaho. Joseph and other Nez Perce leaders refused to go. They believed that the reservation was too small and that it would destroy their way of life.

The Nez Perce War began in June 1877. Joseph and his followers fought bravely against the U.S. Army. They won several victories, but they were eventually outnumbered and outgunned. In October 1877, Joseph and his remaining followers surrendered to General Oliver Otis Howard.

Exile

After the war, Joseph and his followers were exiled to Fort Leavenworth in Kansas. They were later moved to Indian Territory (now Oklahoma). Joseph never returned to his homeland. He died in exile in 1904.

Legacy

Chief Joseph is remembered as one of the greatest Native American leaders of the 19th century. He was a skilled warrior, a wise leader, and a passionate advocate for his people. Joseph's legacy continues to inspire Native Americans and non-Natives alike.

Unit Study

This unit study provides an overview of Chief Joseph's life and times. It includes:

• A timeline of Chief Joseph's life
• A map of the Nez Perce War
• A glossary of terms
• A list of resources for further study

This unit study is appropriate for students in grades 4-8.

Timeline of Chief Joseph's Life

• 1840: Born in the Wallowa Valley of Oregon
• 1863: Becomes a warrior
• 1871: Becomes a chief
• 1877: The Nez Perce War begins
• 1877: Surrenders to General Oliver Otis Howard
• 1878: Exiled to Fort Leavenworth in Kansas
• 1885: Moved to Indian Territory (now Oklahoma)
• 1904: Dies in exile

Map of the Nez Perce War

[Map of the Nez Perce War]

Glossary of Terms

• Nez Perce: A Native American tribe that lived in the Pacific Northwest
• Reservation: A piece of land set aside by the U.S. government for Native Americans
• Warrior: A person who fights in a war
• Chief: A leader of a Native American tribe
• Exile: To be forced to leave one's home country

Resources for Further Study

• Chief Joseph: A Biography by Alvin M. Josephy Jr.
• The Nez Perce War by Mark H. Brown
• The Flight of the Nez Perce by Kent Nerburn
• Chief Joseph's Own Story by Chief Joseph

Chief Joseph (1840-1904) Unit Study

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	207 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	21 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE