Whitman Mission National Historic Site

About the Attraction

​

A visit to Whitman Mission National Historic Site in Washington offers a compelling exploration of early pioneer history and cultural encounters. Here’s what to expect:

​

• Historic Significance: The site commemorates Marcus and Narcissa Whitman, early missionaries who played a pivotal role in the westward expansion and the Oregon Trail.
• Interpretive Trails: Walk the grounds where the original mission stood, visit the Great Grave, and see the memorial obelisk that marks the site’s history.
• Cultural Encounters: Learn about the complex and often tragic interactions between the Whitmans and the Cayuse people, including the events leading to the Whitman Massacre and its lasting impact.
• Educational Exhibits: The visitor center features exhibits on missionary life, Native American history, and the broader story of settlement in the Pacific Northwest.
• Reflective Experience: The site encourages visitors to consider the challenges and consequences of cultural exchange and westward migration.

​

It’s a meaningful destination for those interested in the intertwined histories of Native Americans and early settlers in the Pacific Northwest.