Able in war, an eloquent leader in the days after defeat, Chief Joseph won respect for himself and his people in one of the last conflicts between white settlers and the Native Americans.

    Joseph, known as "Thunder coming upon the land" to his people, was Chief of a band of the Nez Perce when the United States Government responded to gold fever by breaking the 1855 treaty and greatly reducing Nez Perce lands.  Joseph was reluctantly but peacefully moving his band to new lands when a few hotheads provoked war.  Fighting government troops, protecting Nez Perce women and children, Joseph led a long, exhausting trek through Idaho and Montana before surrendering.  His speech has since become a classic of simple dignity; it ended...

"Hear me, my chiefs, I am tired; my heart is sick and sad.  From where the sun now stands, I will fight no more forever." A full biographical page comes with this print.