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Whitman Mission National Historic Sitepeople walking up the hill at the 50th Anniversary commemoration of the Whitmans' deaths
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Whitman Mission National Historic Site
Chapter Two: Events Leading to the Establishment of the Whitman Mission National Historic Site
Commemoration of the Whitmans began long before the 1916 establishment of the National Park Service. In 1859, only twelve years after the Whitman massacre, the Reverend Cushing Eells received a charter from the Washington Territorial Legislature for Whitman Seminary in honor of his colleague. The commemorative efforts by Dr. Whitman's friends and associates and later by concerned local citizens generated interest in the Whitmans that attracted the National Park Service to Walla Walla. Therefore, these early memorial efforts deserve recognition, as they laid the foundation for the present-day national historic site.
 
Howitzer captured by the Nez Perce on display at Big Hole.  

Did You Know?
The battle at Big Hole National Battlefield is remembered in many ways. A Nez Perce dance, the "Duck and Dive", commmorates the capture of a Howitzer during the battle.

Last Updated: November 20, 2007 at 14:44 EST