The exhibit explores the Battle of Canyon Creek which was a significant engagement of the Nez Perce War of 1877.

Ten miles west of Billings, the 7th Cavalry attempted to cut off and apprehend the Nez Perce as they journeyed northward. There were fewer than 150 fighting-age Nez Perce men protecting about 750 people. The 7th Cavalry consisted of 360 soldiers with an additional sizable force of scouts. A significant Crow war party also participated in the battle, acting largely of their own accord.

Despite being outmanned and outgunned, Nez Perce warriors kept the 7th Cavalry at bay while the bands traveled further north with the intention of seeking refuge in Canada. On October 5th, 1877, after a hard-fought battle and siege at the Bear Paw Mountains, the Nez Perce surrendered to Colonel Nelson A. Miles. They were but a few days travel from the Canadian border.

The Nez Perce were promised a safe return to their homelands in the Wallowa Valley. Instead, they were sent to Kansas and Oklahoma, where the survivors endured many years of hardship. It was not until the mid-1880s that the Nez Perce were allowed to return to their homelands.

The exhibit was developed by Christian Coppedge, Curator of Collections at the Yellowstone County Museum, with input from the Nez Perce National Historic Trail and David Wanzenried.