Twisted Hair provided crucial assistance: he helped the expedition build canoes from ponderosa pine logs for the descent of the Clearwater and Snake Rivers, drew maps of the river system ahead, and agreed to care for the expedition’s horse herd during their absence — a commitment of months.

When the expedition returned in May 1806, they found their horses had been well cared for, though some had been dispersed among different Nez Perce bands. Twisted Hair’s reliability in this matter demonstrated the trust that had developed between the expedition and the Nez Perce — a relationship that would have significant consequences in the decades ahead.

The Nez Perce’s generosity to the Lewis and Clark Expedition was remembered by both peoples. When the Nez Perce were forced onto a reservation in 1877, some leaders cited their long friendship with Americans dating back to Lewis and Clark.

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“The Plains appeared covered with Spectators viewing the white men.”

The Nez Perce, led by Chief Twisted Hair, provided food — dried salmon and camas roots — though the sudden change in diet made many of the men violently ill. Nez Perce oral tradition records that a woman named Watkuweis, who had previously been treated kindly by Euro-Americans, urged her people not to harm the strangers.

The Nez Perce would become some of the expedition’s most important allies, caring for their horses while the Corps descended the Columbia by canoe and welcoming them warmly on the return journey.

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