College Place, located in Walla Walla County, Washington, is a small but historically rich community that is home to a number of fascinating historical sites.
From early pioneer settlements to religious landmarks, College Place has a diverse array of historical places that offer a glimpse into the region’s past.
Whether you’re interested in local history, architecture, or religious heritage, College Place has something to offer for every history enthusiast. In this article, we will explore some of the most notable historical places in College Place, WA, USA.
1. First Treaty Council Monument (Pe-Wa-Oo-Yit)
In College Place, Washington, USA, there is a historical place known as the First Treaty Council Monument, also known as Pe-Wa-Oo-Yit.
This monument is a rock that commemorates “Lawyer” Chief Hol-lol-sote-tote at the site of a former Nez Perce encampment. The rock serves as a reminder of the important events that took place here between the Nez Perce people and the United States government.
It is a symbol of the struggles and negotiations that occurred during the early days of the settlement of the West.” Lawyer” Chief Hol-lol-sote-tote was a prominent Nez Perce leader who played a key role in the treaty negotiations that took place at this site.
Rating: 9.6
Address: 116-198 Stanton St, Walla Walla, WA 99362, United States
2. WA State Historical Marker #38 – Fort Walla Walla
WA State Historical Marker #38 – Fort Walla Walla is a significant historical site located in College Place, WA. This marker commemorates the establishment of Fort Walla Walla in 1856 by the U.S. Army during the Yakima Indian Wars.
The fort played a crucial role in protecting settlers and travelers in the region. The fort was strategically located near the confluence of the Walla Walla and Columbia Rivers, making it an ideal spot for military operations.
It served as a supply depot and headquarters for military campaigns against Native American tribes in the area. Over the years, Fort Walla Walla became a hub of activity, with soldiers, traders, and settlers passing through its gates.
Rating: 8.6
Address: 4043 US-12, Wallula, WA 99363, United States
3. Historic Mullan Road Park
Historic Mullan Road Park in College Place, WA, USA, is a historical gem that offers a glimpse into the past. This park is named after the Mullan Road, a historic route that connected Fort Benton, Montana, to Fort Walla Walla, Washington.
The road was built in the 1860s by John Mullan, a civil engineer, to provide a safe and efficient transportation route for miners, settlers, and military personnel.
Visitors to Historic Mullan Road Park can explore the remnants of the original road, including old stone markers and interpretive signs that provide information about the road’s history and significance.
The park also features walking trails, picnic areas, and beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
Rating: 10
Address: Walla Walla, WA 99362, United States
4. Whitman Mission Site
The Whitman Mission Site in College Place, WA, USA holds significant historical importance. This site commemorates the tragic events that occurred in 1847, when Dr. Marcus Whitman and his wife Narcissa were killed by Cayuse Indians.
The Whitman Mission was established in 1836 as a Protestant mission to the Cayuse people.
The mission site consists of a replica of the original mission house, a visitor center with exhibits about the Whitmans and the Cayuse, and a monument marking the graves of the Whitmans.
Visitors can learn about the history of the mission and the events that led to the Whitmans’ deaths. The Whitman Mission Site is a somber reminder of the conflicts between settlers and Native Americans in the Pacific Northwest.
Rating: 9.4
Address: 328 Whitman Mission Rd, Walla Walla, WA 99362, United States
Website: nps.gov
5. Frenchtown
Frenchtown is a historical neighborhood located in College Place, WA. It was established in the late 1800s by French-Canadian settlers who came to the area to work in the local agriculture industry.
The neighborhood got its name from the French-speaking residents who lived there. The architecture in Frenchtown reflects its heritage, with many homes built in the traditional French-Canadian style.
The streets are lined with historic houses that have been well-preserved over the years, giving visitors a glimpse into the past.
One of the most notable landmarks in Frenchtown is the Saint Rose of Lima Catholic Church, which was built in 1901 and still stands as a beautiful example of the architecture of the time.
Rating: 9
Address: 8364 Old Hwy 12, Walla Walla, WA 99362, United States
Website: frenchtownwa.org
6. Whitman Monument
The Whitman Monument in College Place, WA, USA, stands as a symbol of the region’s history and heritage. This historical landmark commemorates the Whitman Massacre of 1847, a tragic event that led to tensions between settlers and Native Americans in the area.
The monument itself is a towering structure, with intricate carvings and inscriptions that tell the story of the Whitman Mission and its significance in the development of the Pacific Northwest.
Visitors to the monument can learn about the lives of Marcus and Narcissa Whitman, missionaries who played a key role in the settlement of the region.
Surrounded by rolling hills and lush greenery, the Whitman Monument offers a peaceful and reflective setting for visitors to pay their respects to those who.
Rating: 9.2
Address: Whitman Memorial, Walla Walla, WA 99362, United States
7. Whitman Mission National Historic Site
Located in College Place, WA, the Whitman Mission National Historic Site holds significant historical importance.
It is the site of the 1847 Whitman Massacre, a tragic event that played a key role in the settlement of the American West. Visitors to the site can explore interpretive trails that provide insight into the events leading up to the massacre and its aftermath.
These trails offer a glimpse into the lives of the Whitmans and the Cayuse people who were involved in the conflict. The site also features a museum that showcases artifacts and exhibits related to the Whitman Mission and the massacre.
Visitors can learn about the impact of the event on the local community and its lasting legacy. A memorial stands at the site to honor those who lost their lives.
Rating: 9.4
Phone: +1 509-522-6360
Address: 328 Whitman Mission Rd, Walla Walla, WA 99362, United States
Website: nps.gov
8. Kirkman House Museum
The Kirkman House Museum in College Place, WA, USA, is a historical treasure that offers visitors a glimpse into the past.
Built in 1886, this Victorian home has been preserved and transformed into a house museum with period furnishings. Stepping into the Kirkman House Museum is like stepping back in time to the late 19th century.
The architectural details of the Victorian era are evident throughout the house, from the ornate woodwork to the stained glass windows.
Visitors can explore the various rooms of the museum, each one furnished with period-appropriate pieces that provide insight into daily life during the late 1800s.
From the elegant parlor to the cozy bedrooms, every corner of the house tells a story of a bygone.
Rating: 8.8
Phone: +1 509-529-4373
Address: 214 N Colville St, Walla Walla, WA 99362, United States
Website: kirkmanhousemuseum.org
Conclusion
College Place, WA boasts a rich history filled with various historical sites and landmarks that offer glimpses into the past.
From the charming architecture of the historic Fifth Street to the educational resources of the Walla Walla University campus, there are plenty of opportunities to explore the area’s unique history.
Whether you are interested in architecture, education, or simply want to connect with the past, College Place has something to offer for everyone.
By preserving and showcasing these historical places, we can better appreciate the stories and events that have shaped the community we see today.
Alejandro Vidal