Whitman Mission National Historic Site

The Whitman Mission National Historic Site, located near Walla Walla, Washington, commemorates the story of the Whitman Mission and its role in the history of westward expansion and interactions between settlers and Native American tribes in the Pacific Northwest.

Established in 1836 by Marcus and Narcissa Whitman, missionaries from the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions, the Whitman Mission was intended to serve as a waystation for travelers on the Oregon Trail and as a site for Christian outreach to the local Cayuse and Walla Walla tribes.

However, tensions between the settlers and the Cayuse tribe eventually escalated, culminating in the tragic Whitman Massacre of 1847, in which Marcus and Narcissa Whitman, along with eleven others, were killed by members of the Cayuse tribe. The event marked a turning point in relations between settlers and Native Americans in the region and led to significant changes in U.S. government policy towards indigenous peoples.

Today, the Whitman Mission National Historic Site preserves the remnants of the original mission site, including the mission house, gristmill, and the gravesite of Marcus and Narcissa Whitman. Visitors to the site can explore interpretive exhibits, guided tours, and scenic trails that offer insights into the history and legacy of the Whitman Mission and its impact on the development of the American West. The site also serves as a place of reflection and reconciliation, fostering understanding and dialogue between different cultures and perspectives.