Page "Nez Perce people" Paragraph 8

In 1800, there were more than 70 permanent villages ranging from 30 to 200 individuals, depending on the season and social grouping.

About 300 total sites have been identified, including both camps and villages.

In 1805 the Nez Perce were the largest tribe on the Columbia River Plateau, with a population of about 6, 000.

By the beginning of the 20th century, the Nez Perce had declined to about 1, 800 because of epidemics, conflicts with non-Indians, and other factors.