Near Lapwai in Nez Perce County, Idaho — The American West (Mountains)

William Craig

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 6, 2018

1. William Craig Marker

Inscription. “A bluff jolly good fellow.” He joined the rocky mountain fur trade in 1829, married a Nez Perce in 1838, and settled with the Lapwai Band in 1840.

In 1850 the Oregon Donation Land Act gave free farms to pioneers who had come to Oregon territory. Craig had about the only eligible farm in Idaho (then part of Oregon) and filed a 640 acre claim here. When the Nez Perce Reservation was set up, the Indians trusted Craig and let him keep his farm.

Erected by Idaho Society of Professional Land Surveyors. (Marker Number 308.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Native Americans • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Idaho State Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1829.

Location. 46° 21.438′ N, 116° 46.158′ W. Marker is near Lapwai, Idaho, in Nez Perce County. Marker is on U.S. 95 at milepost 295 near Elk Horn Lane, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 46499 US Highway 95, Lapwai ID 83540, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Craig Donation Claim (a few steps from this marker); St. Joseph's Mission (approx. 2.3 miles away);

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Lapwai Mission (approx. 4.4 miles away); Culdesac (approx. 4.9 miles away); Watson's Store (approx. 6.6 miles away); Spalding’s Presbyterian Church (approx. 6.6 miles away); Coming of the Railroad (approx. 6.7 miles away); Indian Agent's Residence (approx. 6.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lapwai.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 6, 2018

2. William Craig Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on November 17, 2019. It was originally submitted on August 12, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 319 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 12, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.