Have you ever walked through the old Post Cemetery at Fort Walla Walla Park?  The tall cottonwoods shade the white marble grave markers and monuments, and a gentle breeze floats around them as the sun settles into the west. But, who were the men and women buried there?  Names, ranks, and U.S. Army occupations are inscribed on the stones, but who were they?  Why did many meet their demise at Whitebird Canyon and Cottonwood Canyon?  The answers to these questions and descriptions of many of these fallen soldiers will be shared by historian Gary Lentz in the presentation: “Stories in Stone” about the opening battles of the Nez Perce War of 1877.  Join us to hear the stories of the men who once lived at Fort Walla Walla and lost their battles nearly 145 years ago. Perhaps the next time you visit the Ft. Walla Walla Cemetery, you will have a better understanding and appreciation for those who remain there after giving “the last full measure of devotion.”

Gary Lentz is a retired Park Ranger at Lewis & Clark Trail State Park near Waitsburg, Washington, who worked for Washington State Parks for over 35 years. He was appointed to the Governor's Lewis & Clark Trail Committee in 1982 and served for 25 years. Gary conducts living history demonstrations at state and federal parks, schools, youth camps, community service groups, historical societies, museums, and many other locations in our area. He has written articles on the firearms, medicine, and other aspects of the expedition for the Washington State Chapter of the Lewis & Clark Trail Heritage Foundation newsletter, We Proceeded On magazine, and for displays, markers, and plaques around the state. He is currently a docent at Fort Walla Walla Museum.