The Fur Trade Forts

Richard Monacelli of Frenchtown Historical Society talks about the fur trade forts at Wallula that preceded the American permanent presence in the Walla Walla Valley.

Questions for students: Why was this location chosen for a trading post? What are the four rivers mentioned in this video? Who owned the fort? Where did the people come from who worked at the fort? What caused this fort to be abandoned?


The Story of the Whitman Mission

Ranger Mike Anderson of the Whitman Mission National Historic Site tells the story of Marcus and Narcissa Whitman’s Mission and its role in the settlement of the region.

Questions for students: What was Marcus Whitman’s goal? How did the Indian People first respond to Marcus Whitman? How did Whitman help change the landscape of the Walla Walla Valley? What were some events that helped sour relations between the tribes and the Whitmans? How many people were killed during the attack on the Mission? What were some consequences of the killings at the Mission?


The Ox Shoeing Stock

During the westward expansion of the 19th century, oxen were the preferred animal to pull loaded wagons across the Great Plains and over the mountains. This type of stock was used to hold and position the animal so it could be safely shod with two iron shoes per hoof. Oxen were important work animals and were later used by farmers and loggers to pull equipment and heavy loads.

Questions for students: What is an ox? Why were they preferred to horses and mules on the Oregon Trail? Why do farriers need a special chute to shoe an ox?


Lettice Reynolds: A Pioneer Woman

This is the story of Lettice Millican Clark Reynolds, the pioneer woman associated with the museum’s Clark Cabin. Lettice was the first white woman to reside in the Walla Walla Valley after the Whitman tragedy. She journeyed to the area to prove up the land claim and complete the cabin on her own after her husband’s unexpected early death.

Questions for students: What challenges facing Lettice Reynolds made it such an accomplishment to finish off the land claim? What different ways of making money (in this region and time period) do Nellie and Lettice discuss during the interview?


Hen Lee’s Story: Chinese Residents in the Walla Walla Valley

Myron Huie portrays Hen Lee, a prominent Chinese businessman who lived in Walla Walla.

Questions for students: Why did Chinese people come to Walla Walla? What were some challenges Chinese people faced? Why were Chinese called sojourners? What were some of the jobs that many Chinese people had here?