Near Willamina in Yamhill County, Oregon — The American West (Northwest)

Cross-Cultural Convenience Store

Sutler's Store. Makuk-haws, One Store. Many Shoppers.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 22, 2017

1. Cross-Cultural Convenience Store Marker

Inscription. Life on the Outside
Payday! We can head to the sutler's store. That's where we satisfy our thirst and get our tobacco. The officers go there to enjoy their fine cigars and catch up on the newspapers. We see the Indians stocking up on their supplies. The sutler's store and other civilian buildings such as the laundresses' quarters, bake house, blacksmith shop, and the stables are outside the fence surrounding the parade grounds. This fence is a dividing line between our strict military life and the freedom the civilians have.

Our sitting room, which for the benefit of officers, was well carpeted and neatly furnished, a little curtained sideboard, hospitality supplied with choice liquors and cigars, and a fair array of the latest newspapers and periodicals being among its attractions. -- Sam L. Simpson, Assistant Sutler's Clerk, 1861

We Buy It Twice
We signed treaties to exchange our homelands for materials, education, and this reservation. Now we find we have to buy or trade for what we were promised.

Daily Necessities
Traditionally, the sutler played an important role in support of the fort. A sutler was responsible for selling items that were not issued by the military. Here, officers

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could enjoy the luxury of civilian life by socializing and relaxing among friends. Soldiers would spend their meager pay on alcohol and tobacco. Local settlers could purchase supplies to get the through the long winters. Sometimes, Native Americans had to purchase needed supplies promised by the Indian Agent, but not delivered.

Erected by Oregon State Parks and Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Industry & Commerce.

Location. 45° 4.165′ N, 123° 34.24′ W. Marker is near Willamina, Oregon, in Yamhill County. Marker is on Hebo Road near Three Rivers Highway (Oregon Route 22), on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Willamina OR 97396, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 3 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. We Greet Settlement … … With Reservations (a few steps from this marker); Policing or Protecting? (a few steps from this marker); The Grand Ronde Indian Reservation (approx. 2.1 miles away).

More about this marker. The marker is near the parking lot at Fort Yamhill State Heritage Area.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, September 22, 2017

2. Cross-Cultural Convenience Store Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on January 19, 2018. It was originally submitted on January 19, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 299 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on January 19, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.