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Marriage of Narcissa and Marcus Whitman
Narcissa Prentiss, who had previously been rejected by ABCFM to go on a religious mission, married Dr. Marcus Whitman, who had been scouting out mission territory, which allowed Narcissa to go on a mission. The next day they started their journey West along the Oregon Trail to teach the Cayuse tribe of their churches doctrine with Henry and Eliza Spalding. -
The Whitmans at the Walla Walla River
The Whitmans reached the Walla Walla River, and they also founded a mission to the Cayuse tribe in Waiilatpu and traveled to what today is Idaho to found a mission to the Nez Perce tribe. During their traveling, the Whitmans traveled with furr traders and took wagons farther West than any American expedition. Narcissa was one of the first white women ever to cross the Rocky Mountains. -
Narcissa Births Alice Whitman
Narcissa gave birth to Alice, who was the first white child born in Oregon County. She had been pregnant previously on the Oregon Trail. -
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The Events of the Mission
During their time at the mission station, Marcus held church services, introduced agriculture, practiced with medicine, and built buildings, while Narcissa ran the house, assisted in religious ceremonies, and taught students in school. -
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Christianity in the Tribe
Despite their efforts, the Cayuse tribe didn't take in the gospel preached by the Whitmans. At first, the tribe viewed the religion as strange, but than saw it as a threat. Narcissa and Marcus didn't try to be involved. They didn't participate at all in any kind of Cayuse ceremonies, and didn't take the time to make sure the natives understood what was said. -
Alice Whitman Dies
Alice drowned in the Walla Walla River. At this point Narcissa became depressed and used most of her time to write letters to her family. Eventually, she started to become blind over time. They eventually adopted seven of the Sager children and six other foster children. -
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The Mission Closes
American Missionary Board closed the mission due to the lack of success, and Marcus went to reverse their decision. He returned in 1843, after he helped lead the "Great Migration". -
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The Early Settlers in Northern Oregon
The Whitman's home became an important stopping place for the coming white settlers. Disease from these settlers began to spread to members of the tribe. -
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Effects of White Settler's Immigration
The Cayuse tribe started to fear that these settlers would cause disease and would take over their land. During this time, a measle epidemic spread to the natives and settlers. Marcus Whitman treated both peoples, with much more success with the settlers. Rumors spread that Marcus had infected and not properly treated the tribal members. The measle epidemic killed about half of the Cayuse tribe. -
The Whitman Massacre
A group of indians lead by cheif Tiloukaikt visited the Whitman house carrying concealed weapons. Two of them came to Marcus, and one started to ingage in conversation while the other gave Marcus a fatal blow from behind. A total of forteen people, including the Whitmans, were killed and fifty-four were taken hostage. According to the native's law, if a family member died after being treated by a medicine man, then a relative of the deceased had the right to kill the medacine man and his family.
