Kamiah in Idaho County, Idaho — The American West (Mountains)

Asa Smith Mission

A Massachusetts Congregationalist, Smith spent two years here

— learning the Nez Perce language and starting a mission —

Asa Smith Mission Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 14, 2016

1. Asa Smith Mission Marker

Inscription. Coming here May 10, 1839 to study with Lawyer, an important Nez Perce leader, he stayed to work on an Indian dictionary and to hold daily religious classes each spring and winter. After spending six months in a “mere hovel,” he finished a comfortable home and started a garden of several acres. But he never got used to pioneer life here. Leaving Kamiah April 19, 1841, he moved to a mission in Hawaii.

Erected by Idaho Historical Society & Idaho Transportation Department. (Marker Number 309.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Education • Native Americans • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Idaho State Historical Society series list. A significant historical date for this entry is May 10, 1839.

Location. 46° 13.346′ N, 116° 0.577′ W. Marker is in Kamiah, Idaho, in Idaho County. Marker is on U.S. 12, half a mile west of Dyche Road, on the left when traveling west. Marker is located in a pull-out on the west side of US Highway 12, overlooking the Clearwater River. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Kamiah ID 83536, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Long Camp (here, next to this marker); Lewis and Clark Route (a

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few steps from this marker); Nez Perce National Historical Park (approx. 0.8 miles away); Trails at Heart of the Monster (approx. 0.8 miles away); Kooskia Crossing Kiosk (approx. 5.3 miles away); History of a Frontier Community (approx. 5.9 miles away); Looking Glass (approx. 6.6 miles away); Camas Prairie (approx. 9.7 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kamiah.

More about this marker. Large wooden marker in good condition

Asa Smith Mission Marker (<i>wide view</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 14, 2016

2. Asa Smith Mission Marker (wide view)

Asa Smith Mission Marker (<i>wide view showing adjacent marker</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 14, 2016

3. Asa Smith Mission Marker (wide view showing adjacent marker)

Credits. This page was last revised on November 9, 2017. It was originally submitted on November 8, 2017, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 312 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 8, 2017, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.