Whitman Mission National Historic Site commemorates a mission established along the Oregon Trail and the tragic occurrences that happened as a result of its establishment. A couple, the Whitman’s, traveled west with the goal of setting up a mission in the Oregon Territory. They established their mission in what is today eastern Washington, living among the Cayuse people and helping to establish the Oregon Trail. Unfortunately, a series of unfortunate events led to the deaths of the Whitmans and some of their companions. The site today teaches visitors about the Whitman’s story in particular and the story of westward migration in general. Within the site, visitors can walk the ground on which the Whitman’s mission once stood and see the remnants of some of the buildings. Perhaps one of the most interesting aspects of the site is that it contains ground on which visitors can still see wagon wheel tracks and ruts left over from the Oregon Trail.

Whitman Mission was an interesting and informing place to visit. We recommend going and learning more about 19th century history.