Whitman Mission National Historic Site

Written in the mid-20th century by Erwin N. Thompson, 'Whitman Mission National Historic Site' chronicles the lives of Marcus and Narcissa Whitman, early American missionaries who established the first missions among the Cayuse Indians in the Oregon Territory. The book details their experiences, challenges, and the tragic events that unfolded, providing insight into their roles during a transformative period in American history. Notably, Narcissa Whitman and Eliza Spalding were the first white women to cross the continent, and their journey inspired many families to settle in Oregon, highlighting the complexities of westward expansion.