Whitman Mission
- Washington
photo: Thayne Tuason
Why go there?
Whitman Mission National Historic Site in southeastern Washington honors the legacy and tragic story of Dr. Marcus Whitman and his wife, Narcissa, who established a mission with the Cayuse people in 1836. Serving as a gateway for westward expansion, the mission aimed to provide education and medical care, but cultural misunderstandings and disease outbreaks fueled tensions. In 1847, the conflict culminated in the Whitmans' deaths, leading to broader repercussions across the Northwest. Today, visitors explore trails, historical exhibits, and memorials reflecting this impactful and complex history.
