Whitman Mission National Historic Site - Archeology (U.S. National Park Service)

Photo of Mission House foundation when it was uncovered. The foundation of a newer structure is on top of part of the Mission house foundation.

NPS collection

Archeology: 1940s and 1960s
Two major archeological investigations were conducted at the park, and although completed early in the history of the park management, this work influenced physical development of the Mission Grounds and interpretation of the site for many years. more . . .

2005-2006 Geophysical Investigations
In 2005 and 2006, archeologists conducted research around the Grist Mill, Great Grave, Mission House, and First House. The archeologists used three non-invasive, geophysical survey techniques: magnetic survey, conductivity survey, and a ground penetrating radar survey. To “ground truth” the data being received, two small test pits were dug. The test pits and geophysical survey data support the accuracy of the current building outlines and the presumed location of the Grist Mill. The data also suggest that there are buried structures in and near the Pioneer Cemetery that were previously unknown. This information will help park managers protect the park’s buried cultural resources when park improvements are planned in the future. Photos.

NPS collection

2005-2006 Geophysical Investigations
In 2005 and 2006, archeologists conducted research around the Grist Mill, Great Grave, Mission House, and First House. The archeologists used three non-invasive, geophysical survey techniques: magnetic survey, conductivity survey, and a ground penetrating radar survey. To “ground truth” the data being received, two small test pits were dug. The test pits and geophysical survey data support the accuracy of the current building outlines and the presumed location of the Grist Mill. The data also suggest that there are buried structures in and near the Pioneer Cemetery that were previously unknown. This information will help park managers protect the park’s buried cultural resources when park improvements are planned in the future. Photos.

Sources:

Whitman Mission National Historic Site: General Management Plan, September 2000. U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service.

Geophysical Investigations of the Waiilatpu Missions Grounds (45WW41) at Whitman Mission National Historic Site, Walla Walla County, Washington. 2005. Steven L. De Vore. Manuscript on file, Midwest Archeological Center, National Park Service, Lincoln, Nebraska.

Geophysical Investigations of the Grist Mill and Great Grave Locations at the Waiilatpu Mission Grounds (45WW41) at Whitman Mission National Historic Site, Walla Walla County, Washington. 2006. Steven L. De Vore, archeologist, Midwest Archaeological Center, National Park Service. Submitted to Superintendent, Whitman Mission National Historic Site, Walla Walla, Washington.