This was not a defeat in the military sense, but it demonstrated something important: Howard’s full column, with artillery, was too strong for the non-treaty bands to defeat in a sustained engagement.

The tactical victories the nimíipuu had achieved in the more limited engagements were not sustainable against the full force of Howard’s command.

This military reality shaped the decision to cross into Montana.

The nimíipuu could not win a sustained campaign in their home territory against Howard’s forces.

Their best option was mobility — to move faster than the army could follow, to find allies or sanctuary before the army could pin them down.

The Lolo Trail crossing was, in this context, the right decision.