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

Ant & Yellowjacket

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, May 6, 2018

1. Ant & Yellowjacket Marker

Inscription. According to a Nez Perce Indian legend the stone arch up the hill was once two fighting insects.
Ant and Yellowjacket had an argument and came to blows over who had the right to eat dried salmon here. Fighting fiercely, they failed to notice Coyote, the all-powerful animal spirit. Even when he ordered them to stop, they kept on struggling. For not heeding his warning, he turned them to stone while their backs were arched and their jaws locked together in combat.

Erected by Idaho Department of Transportation. (Marker Number 264.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Indigenous Peoples and Communities. In addition, it is included in the Idaho State Historical Society series list.

Location. 46° 26.739′ N, 116° 50.624′ W. Marker is in Lapwai, Idaho, in Nez Perce County. It is on U.S. 12 at milepost 11 near U.S. 95, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Lewiston ID 83501, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in

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North Idaho — Idaho’s Panhandle

and in the Palouse.

It is also in the American Mountain West,

specifically in the Pacific Northwest,

and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: A different marker also named Ant & Yellowjacket (here, next to this marker); Bredell Family Cemetery (approx. 0.9 miles away); Nez Perce Village Site (approx. one mile away); Indian Agent's Residence (approx. 1.2 miles away); Coming of the Railroad (approx. 1.2 miles away); Watson's Store (approx. 1.3 miles away); Spalding’s Presbyterian Church (approx. 1.3 miles away); Spalding's Mission (approx. 1.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lapwai.

More about this marker. This marker is located at a turnout just east of the U.S. Highway 12/U.S. Highway 95 interchange.

Ant & Yellowjacket and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, May 6, 2018

2. Ant & Yellowjacket and Marker

Ant & Yellowjacket image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, May 6, 2018

3. Ant & Yellowjacket

Credits. This page was last revised on April 25, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 9, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 823 times since then and 92 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 9, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.