Looking Glass (Native American leader)
Looking Glass was a prominent chief of the Nez Perce tribe, succeeding his father, who was also named Looking Glass. As a leader of the faction that did not engage with Christian missionaries or sign treaties with white settlers, he played a crucial role in the tribe's history during a turbulent period. After taking on his father's name and leadership in 1863, he guided his village, located along the Clearwater River in present-day Idaho, which thrived through agriculture and livestock raising. The discovery of gold on Nez Perce lands in 1863 prompted significant encroachment by white settlers, leading to tensions that escalated into the Nez Perce War in 1877. Initially reluctant to pursue conflict, Looking Glass eventually joined the resistance after his village was destroyed. He became a war leader and advised his people on strategic retreats, but faced criticism for his leadership decisions during key battles. Ultimately, Looking Glass was killed in the final engagements of the war, marking a tragic end to his leadership and the Nez Perce struggle against displacement. His legacy reflects the complexities and challenges faced by Indigenous leaders during periods of significant change and conflict.
Subject Terms
Looking Glass (Native American leader)
- Born: c. 1823
- Birthplace: Near present-day Asotin, Washington
- Died: October 5, 1877
- Place of death: Bear's Paw Battlefield, Bear's Paw Mountains, Montana
Tribal affiliation: Nez Perce
Significance: Looking Glass, one of the important nontreaty Nez Perce chiefs, served as war leader and guide in the ultimately unsuccessful retreat to Canada in the Nez Perce War of 1877
Looking Glass was the son of Looking Glass the leader (Apah Wyakaikt), an illustrious and respected chief. He was reared to be a warrior, buffalo hunter, and chief. He and his father were of the Nez Perce faction that was never Christianized by missionaries and never signed any land treaties with whites. Their faction represented one-third of the Nez Perce people.
In January of 1863, the elder Looking Glass died and his son became chief. He adopted his father’s name and, just as his father had done, hung his father’s small, round trade mirror around his neck (hence the name Looking Glass). His village was located on the Clearwater River just above the present town of Kooskia, Idaho. The village of about 40 men and 120 women and children raised livestock, planted crops, and generally prospered. In 1863, however, gold was discovered on Nez Perce lands and Looking Glass was a realist concerning the invading whites. Aware of their strength and numbers, at tribal council in 1873 and 1877 he advised against war. Nevertheless, the Nez Perce War began in 1877.
In the early stages of the war, Looking Glass remained aloof from the hostilities, convinced that nothing was to be gained by war. He was falsely accused of aiding the hostiles, however; an arrest warrant was issued, and a fight broke out. The Indians deserted their village, which was destroyed by the whites. Seething with hatred, Looking Glass joined the other nontreaty Nez Perce in their war.
At a council on July 15, 1877, Looking Glass persuaded the other combatants to cross the Lolo Trail and seek safety with the Crow tribe in Plains country. If necessary they could continue on to join Sitting Bull in Canada and then return to their lands when the trouble had subsided. Looking Glass became war leader of all the bands and was responsible for guiding them. Encountering no resistance from whites along the route, Looking Glass proceeded confidently at a slow and leisurely pace, brushing aside concerns about the pursuing soldiers. The Nez Perce were overtaken on August 9 at Big Hole and suffered significant casualties before they escaped. Looking Glass was held responsible, and—in disgrace—was relieved of his leadership. In September, he again counseled a slower pace because the pursuing soldiers were far behind and his people needed rest. Once more he had his way and was reinstated as leader of the march.
This time, his decision proved fatal. The Indians were overtaken again in the Bear’s Paw Mountains, just 30 miles from Canada, and defeated. Looking Glass was the last casualty of the Nez Perce War, fatally shot in the head on October 5, 1877.