Whitman Mission – National Historic Site

The interpretive center at the Whitman Mission National Historic Site commemorates the courage of Marcus and Narcissa Whitman, the role they played in establishing the Oregon Trail, and the region’s dramatic history including the challenges encountered when two different cultures meet. No historic buildings remain but as one guide book mentions, the simple outline of the mission in the ground is strangely affecting. The best impression of what the area looked like to the Whitmans can be found by hiking up to the overlook on the adjacent hill.

From the Website

In 1836, before the wagon trains, a small intrepid group of Presbyterian missionaries traveled with the annual fur trapper’s caravan into “Oregon Country.” Missionaries Narcissa Whitman and Eliza Spalding became the first white women to travel across the continent. Differences in culture led to growing tensions between the Cayuse people and the Whitmans. Their mission became an important stop along the Oregon Trail, but passing immigrants added to the tension. A measles outbreak in 1847 killed half the local Cayuse. Some of the Cayuse blamed these deaths on Dr. Whitman. Dr. and Mrs. Whitman were killed; sixty people were taken hostage. The deaths of the Whitmans sent a shock wave across the country and prompted Congress to make Oregon a U.S. territory.

Whitman Mission National Historic Site preserves the original mission grounds of the Waiilatpu Mission, the mass grave where the Whitmans are buried, and the 1897 memorial shaft. There is a self-guiding interpretive trail of the mission grounds, grave, and monument.

The site also includes a museum, a 10-minute introductory slide show, a bookstore, bathrooms, and picnic area. No food or drink is available for purchase at the site.

Ranger talks are presented during the summer. The park also hosts demonstrations and special events.

Fees

• Adults: $3.00 good for 7 days, maximum of $5.00 for a family.
• Under 17: free
• Federal National Parks, Golden Age, Golden Eagle, and Golden Access passes are honored.

website: www.nps.gov/whmi/
address: 328 Whitman Mission Road, Walla Walla, WA 99362
lat/lon: 46.0407130, -118.4626390
Headquarters: (509) 522-6360
Visitor Info: (509) 522-6357