Small mound is the Great Grave. Reverend Cushing Eell's home can be seen in the background. Photo taken circa 1860.
Period of Captivity: At the end of eleven years endeavor among the Cayuses, Marcus and Narcissa Whitman and eleven others were killed at Waiilatpu in the autumn of 1847. The Cayuses made captives of the surviving whites, ransoming them one month later. Experiences of the Captives Release of the Captives
Later Occupants: Depending on a few turns of fate, the site may instead today be a college, a farm, a ranch, a church, or even downtown Walla Walla. More . . .
Making a Memorial: Mr. Gray had strained relations with the Whitmans while they were alive, but after their deaths he devoted his remaining years to establishing a memorial in their honor. Unfortunately, he died before it was completed. More . . .
A National Monument: Established as a unit of the National Park Service in 1936. Today, over 60,00 people visit the site annually. The park is at the cutting edge of "green" practices and is an important haven for birds and other wildlife.
NPS photo
Looking down from the top of the hill. Dr. Whitman's mill pond has been repaired and filled with water. Lawn and trees cover the area where the mission buildings once stood.
Fort Waters In 1848 the Oregon Volunteers occupied the mission site and constructed Fort Waters. more...
Park History thru 1988 Learn more about the development of the park over the years. more...
Research and Restoration Projects Monitoring and research projects more...
Archeology Several studies have been conducted at the park. more...
Did You Know?
U.S. Penitentiary Alcatraz had a complete hospital in the cellhouse which was staffed by medical personnel from the Public Health Service in San Francisco.