Jurden Henry Elfers Barn and Field

The Jurden Henry Elfers Barn and Field is a historic site located on the south bank of John Day Creek, .33 miles (0.53 km) east of U.S. Route 95 and north of Lucile, Idaho. The barn and field were the site of a raid by members of the Nez Perce tribe in 1877. White settlers had forced the Nez Perce to live on a reservation at Lapwai, and a group of young men from the tribe sought revenge against the settlers. The men raided several sites along the Salmon River, including the Elfers' ranch. During their raid on the ranch, the Nez Perce killed Jurden Henry Elfers, his nephew Henry "Harry" Burn Beckrodge, and hired worker Robert Bland, who were working at the barn and field at the time. The men also stole several horses and a rifle from the property. The raid was one of the main causes of the Nez Perce War, as soldiers at Fort Lapwai responded to the raids by attacking Chief Joseph's camp.[2] The barn and field are one of the few surviving sites connected to the events leading to the start of the war.[3]

Jurden Henry Elfers Barn and Field
Jurden Henry Elfers Barn and Field is located in Idaho
Jurden Henry Elfers Barn and Field
Jurden Henry Elfers Barn and Field is located in the United States
Jurden Henry Elfers Barn and Field
LocationOn U.S. Highway 95 at the mouth of John Day Creek
Nearest cityLucile, Idaho
Coordinates45°34′59″N 116°17′15″W / 45.58306°N 116.28750°W / 45.58306; -116.28750
Area53 acres (21 ha)
NRHP reference No.07000544[1]
Added to NRHPJune 7, 2007

The site was added to the National Register of Historic Places on June 7, 2007.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
  2. ^ "A Guide to National Register of Historic Places in Idaho County" (PDF). Idaho County Historic Preservation Commission. 2012. Retrieved December 27, 2013.
  3. ^ Julin, Suzanne; Suzi Neitzel (January 2007). "National Register of Historic Places Registration Form: Elfers, Jurden Henry, Barn and Field" (PDF). National Park Service. Retrieved December 27, 2013.