Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce

Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce is an Oklahoma historical marker in Kay County.

Kay County · on US 60 approximately 2 miles east of Tonkawa

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After surrendering to the US military in 1877, the Nez Perce under Chief Joseph were relocated to Indian Territory as prisoners of war. At Oakland Agency (near present-day Tonkawa), the Nez Perce made a substantial effort to become economically self-sufficient by arranging leasing agreements with local ranchers. They also established a day school. The Nez Perce left Indian Territory in 1885. Over 100 Nez Perce children died during their time in Indian Territory, including Chief Joseph’s daughter.

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Marker data: Oklahoma Historical Society, Historical Marker Program. Marker texts come from the Society's marker database, reproduced with the Society's written permission. Where the database describes a marker's location in words but records no coordinate, the pin on this page is ours, worked out from that description and marked approximate.
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Chief Joseph of the Nez Perce

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