Northern Idaho Indian Agency

Northern Idaho Indian Agency Building in Lapwai, ID

National Park Service

Quick Facts

Location:

46.450606,-116.815427

Significance:

Site of the Northern Idaho Indian Agency

MANAGED BY:

Lapwai School District

Amenities

7 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Information, Parking - Auto, Pets Allowed, Picnic Table, Restroom, Restroom - Accessible

When the federal government established a relationship with native people, the Indian Agent represented that association. The agent was responsible for fulfilling the stipulations spelled out in a treaty such as distributing annuity payments, provisions, and services stipulated by the treaty. With the signing of the Treaty of 1855, William Craig served as the first agent for the Nez Perce. Other agents came and went, as some were conscientious, but most had corrupt intentions or disengaged from supporting the needs of the Nez Perce. The agency was originally established at the Spalding Site where the Agency Cabin now sits, but was moved to Lapwai in 1902 to the site of Fort Lapwai.

Getting to Northern Idaho Indian Agency
The Northern Idaho Indian Agency is approximately 4.3 miles south of the Nez Perce National Historical Park Visitor Center in Spalding, Idaho.

Driving to Northern Idaho Indian Agency

From the Nez Perce National Historical Park Visitor Center in Spalding, ID, take U.S. Highway 95 South for 3.5 miles. Turn right onto Agency Drive. In 0.2 miles turn left onto A Street. The Northern Idaho Indian Agency building is located across the street from the old parade grounds which is now a stretch of lawn. Fort Lapwai Officers Quarters are at the end of the block on your right. There are no signs designating the location of the agency building.

Things to Do at Northern Idaho Indian Agency

Explore the Site

The Northern Idaho Indian Agency is owned by the Lapwai School District and is not accessible to the public.