Whitman Mission National Historic Site

The Whitman Mission National Historic Site, near Walla Walla, Washington, marks a sad chapter in U.S. history. The site is a memorial to missionaries who helped establish the Oregon Trail. Marcus and Narcissa Whitman settled here in 1836, attempting to spread their Protestant teachings to the Cayuse Indians. Eleven years later, new settlers brought the measles with them, wiping out half the Cayuse tribe. Tribal members blamed Marcus Whitman, a doctor whose medicine didn’t save their people, and responded by killing him, his wife and 12 others. The visitor center provides information on the massacre, along with exhibits and artifacts. This area is a bird watchers paradise. Red-tailed hawks, northern harriers and songbirds swoop and nest. Those inspired by heady fragrance and vivid colors can visit the Blue Mountain Lavender Farm in neighboring Lowden. And there are many wineries in the region; visit, taste and enjoy.