Retribution or Revenge?
The 1847 Whitman “Massacre” horrified Americans and impacted the lives of the peoples of the Columbia Plateau for decades afterwards. Was killing the Whitmans justified legal retribution, an act of revenge, or some combination of both?The circumstances that surround this tragic event resonate with modern issues of cultural interaction and differing perspectives.
Features
-
1,000 Pages About the Whitmans
All of historian Clifford Drury's classic book, Marcus and Narcissa Whitman and the Opening of Old Oregon, is available to read on the web.
Read More -
Read Their Letters
Read some of the many letters Marcus and Narcissa wrote to friends, family, colleagues, and the missionary board that supported them.
Read More -
The Photographer's Eye
There is something to see in any season. Join park staff and volunteers as they explore the park with their cameras.
Read More -
A Great Place to Bird
During the year, over 200 species of birds can be found at Whitman Mission.
Read More -
Environmental Leadership and Tradition
The park has won many awards for its efforts to minimize its environmental impact and continues a tradition of using renewable energy.
Read More -
Restoring a Creek
Whitman Mission, along with many other groups, is working to restore Doan Creek, which will provide important habitat for fish and other animals.
Read More
Did You Know?
The mission at Waiilatpu had a sawmill supplying it with needed cut lumber. It was located in the Mill Creek drainage. Lumber was needed for the split rail fences and finishing the houses built at the mission.