In July 1878, a band of Nez Perce Indians returning south from Canada after eluding U.S. Cavalry, crossed what is now Granite County. While passing through they attacked a small mining camp located on a tributary of Rock Creek at McKay Gulch. Three miners were killed. A fourth miner, James Jones, escaped in a hail of gunfire. Although wounded, Jones managed to out-maneuver his pursuers by climbing Mt. Emerine. He then struggled cross-country 25 miles back to Philipsburg to alert the town about the Indian danger. From that day forward Jones was known as “Nez Perce” Jones. He died in 1926 at the age of 82.

Sculptor: Benge Elliott, San Marcos, Texas

Donated by Granite County Historical Society

Erected by Granite County Historical Society.