I’ve always loved this photo of Chief Looking Glass. Decked out in all of his finery, bow in hand, and mounted on what I can only assume was a prized pony, he appears ready to take on the world.
Born circa 1832, Looking Glass (real name Ippakness Wayhayken) was already an established war chief by the time the Nez Perce War began.
In fact, when this photo was taken in 1871, Looking Glass had just returned from helping his allies, the Crow, defeat a Lakota war party in present-day Montana.
Another story claims that Looking Glass once stood his ground as a Blackfeet warrior opened fire at near point-blank range. Needless to say, the warrior in question wouldn’t live long enough to make the same mistake twice.
Although Looking Glass was opposed to the white encroachment on his land, he remained peaceful towards the settlers. And when Chief Joseph and the other non-treaty bands fled the Camas prairie in mid-June 1877, Looking Glass chose to stay behind.
Sadly, he and his people were still attacked.
After their village was virtually ripped apart by Gatling guns, Looking Glass and his band fled the reservation and linked up with Chief Joseph and the other Nez Perce leaders.
It was Looking Glass who persuaded his fellow Nez Perce to flee east across the Mountains, and in doing so, they began a 1,400-mile fighting retreat; one that would last three months and end tragically within mere miles of freedom.
I recently began a new series on Chief Joseph and the Nez Perce War. So far, I’ve only released one episode, but this will be a multi-part series, spanning the entirety of the war and its aftermath.
This is NOT a re-release of the Chief Joseph episode I recorded several years ago. This new series includes new information and a fresh perspective. I think you’ll really like it!
If you missed part 1, here’s a recap: Spotify
Here’s the video if you’re more of a visual consumer: YouTube
And in case you’ve been out of the loop, I’ve also recently released episodes on the lawman/outlaw Mysterious Dave Mather, Abilene Marshal Tom “Bear River” Smith, the Lost Dutchman’s Mine, Clay Allison & the Colfax County War, and a Texas gunfighter named King Fisher.
Love history that comes out of Oregon. Captain Jack was awesome, after hearing it I went to their stronghold. Wow no wonder they held off the Army for so long. Very cool place!
The Harry Tracy podcast was awesome too! Can't wait for more of Chief Joseph story.
Keep up the outstanding work.
This stuff pisses me off. But, might makes right. I’m not happy with the whole killing of buffalo they did either. But from a strategic perspective, it made sense. I guess we needed the land, for manifest destiny, we are a great nation, but you should honor your treaties. They fought battles, we waged war. Enough ranting, I’m going to listen to the end. Regards. Danny.