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Whitman Mission National Historic Site
Categories: Public Services & Government Landmarks & Historical Buildings Arts & Entertainment Museums Landmarks & Historical Buildings, Museums [Edit]
328 Whitman Mission RdWalla Walla, WA 99362
(509) 522-6360
Cassie S. said: "If you are in Walla Walla, you must stop by Basel Cellars! The winery is stunning, the wines are incredible and the staff is very informative and friendly. You could easily spend an afternoon enjoying the views and tasting their…" read more »
2 reviews for Whitman Mission National Historic Site
2 reviews in English
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Review from Julian H.
Seattle, WA
4/17/2009
WMNHS is a fun and easy way to add a bit of local history to your wine country trip. The museum isn't spectacular, but has interesting features. Note that the docent/park ranger will ding you with the $5 visit fee as soon as you step inside.
The best part of this park is the walking trail that loops around the excavated mission site, with informative boards along the way that give a glimpse of pioneer-era life. The park sits right on the historical Lewis and Clark trail, and there is an old wagon on the trail that makes a great photo op.
I don't share Chris F.'s enthusiasm for the morbid aspects of the site's history; I don't think the "massacre" (or whatever you want to call it) or whatever injustices that preceded it were cool. But it makes the history more real, to know that people lived, and died, on the ground under your feet, looking for a better life, or trying to preserve the one they had.
Also cool are the many birds hanging out. -
Review from Chris F.
Los Angeles, CA
1/17/2008
It's so nice to go to an American government run park and get the real scoop on what really happened. No washed up, rinsed out, Right-wing version of history here. Whitman Mission is a true piece of the early American western frontier. To put it simply, the Cayuse Indians kicked some serious white ass.
Believe or not, the American Indians didn't always think it was cool that the white man came along and invaded their land and gave them deadly diseases. The Cayuse tribe of the Walla Walla valley - I love this story - slaughtered the mission residents. It started a big ta-doo with the government unfortunately, and the remaining Indians lost what land they had when Oregon was officially claimed as a US territory.
The site has a wonderful little museum with just enough information to educate you without inducing boredom. There's a nice walking path around the site. A steep but not too long path leads you up to a hilltop with an amazing and rare panoramic view of the Walla Walla Valley. If you stop by, you must make the trek up the hill. It's not too far, but in the blazing hot summer you may want to pause on the benches half way up. Bring your camera and water, and if you can time your day to make it up there at sunrise or sunset, you're super cool.
