Joseph was the first settlement in a region occupied by the Nez Perce tribe. It was here that early settlers eked a living through bitter-cold winters, something even the Nez Perce thought was too harsh; they migrated to lower ground.
They say that this area grows rocks and the Indians even referred to it as 'Hah-um-sah-pah', meaning 'big rocks lying scattered around.' You had to be tough to live here and some winters still test the residents today! But boy, the summers, spring and falls are spectacular! Winter is too, although it can get a little long. There's plenty to do, no matter what time of year you visit. Head to JosephOregon.com for local activities and other information.
