What Is the Fort Fizzle Site?
The Fort Fizzle Site is where US soldiers decided not to engage the Nez Perce, who were fleeing war in the west, a battle that “fizzled!”
What Makes It Historical?
During the 1870s, the US military was fighting the Nez Perce for their homeland in Washington, Oregon, and Idaho, and some managed to escape the reservation that was created in Idaho, fleeing to Montana, where they hoped to find refuge! In July of 1877, following the Lolo Trail, one group encountered the 7th Infantry under Captain Charles Rawn, who had been alerted to “hostile Nez Perce!”
Governor Benjamin White panicked and sent out urgent calls for volunteers to run in and back up the soldiers, who had set up a defensive pit with rifle works at this site. Though a combined 200 men gathered here to stop the Nez Perce, most of them accepted that the Nez Perce would pass peacefully and abandoned their posts. The Nez Perce were good on their word, and they continued their flight while the “fort” against them “fizzled!”
How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?
- Volunteer with Lolo National Forest!
- Become a member of the Montana Historical Society!
- Be a responsible visitor! Please respect the signs and pathways, and treat all structures and artifacts with respect. They’ve endured a lot to survive into the present. They’ll need our help to make it into the future!
How Do I Get There?
South side of Lolo Creek Road
4.6 miles west of Lolo, MT 59847
(Take Me There!)
When Should I Visit?
Whenever the mood strikes you!
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