Whitman Mission National Historic Site facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Whitman Mission National Historic Site
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The Oregon Trail at Whitman Mission
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 Location in Washington (state)
Location in the United States
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| Location | Walla Walla County, Washington, United States |
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| Nearest city | Walla Walla, Washington |
| Area | 138.53 acres (0.5606 km2) |
| Built | 1837 |
| Website | Whitman Mission National Historic Site |
| NRHP reference No. | 66000749 |
| Added to NRHP | October 15, 1966 |
The Whitman Mission National Historic Site is a special place in the United States. It is located near Walla Walla, Washington. This site remembers the important Whitman Mission at a place called Waiilatpu.
In 1847, a sad event happened here. Dr. Marcus Whitman, his wife Narcissa Whitman, and eleven other people died in a conflict with the Cayuse. The site helps us remember the Whitmans. It also shows their role in creating the Oregon Trail. It highlights the difficulties that arose when two different cultures met.
Contents
Exploring the Mission's Past
In 1836, a group of Presbyterian missionaries traveled west. They joined a yearly caravan of fur trappers. Narcissa Whitman and Eliza Hart Spalding were part of this group. They became the first white women to travel across the entire continent.
Marcus and Narcissa Whitman started the Whitman Mission. It was built at Waiilatpu, near the Walla Walla River. This area was the traditional land of the Cayuse. The Cayuse welcomed the Whitmans to their land in 1836. They had learned about them the year before from Samuel Parker.
The Oregon Trail and Growing Tensions
The Mission became a very important stop on the Oregon Trail. Many travelers passed through between 1843 and 1847. These new immigrants caused more tension between the settlers and the Cayuse. The Cayuse became worried about the many white settlers arriving. They feared that these newcomers wanted to take their land.
A Time of Sickness and Conflict
In November 1847, a serious measles outbreak occurred. This disease caused many deaths among the local Cayuse people. Sadly, about half of the Cayuse tribe in the area died. The measles also spread to the Mission. However, more of the white settlers there survived the illness.
Some of the Cayuse people believed the Whitmans were responsible for the sickness. This belief led to a tragic conflict. Dr. and Mrs. Whitman, along with eleven others, lost their lives. Forty-seven other people at the mission were taken hostage.
The deaths of the Whitmans shocked people across the country. This event led the U.S. Congress to make Oregon a U.S. territory. It also started the Cayuse War. After the conflict, some Cayuse individuals faced serious consequences.
Remembering the Past Today
In more recent times, experts have dug up parts of the site. They found important historical items. After studying them, the items were reburied to protect them. A large memorial stands on a nearby hill. It was built fifty years after the events to remember what happened.
The Whitman National Monument was created in 1936. Later, on January 1, 1963, it became a National Historic Site. This change recognized its greater historical importance.
Images for kids
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The park's western facing memorial hill is a popular place for visitors to watch the sunset
