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

Craig Donation Claim

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 6, 2018

1. Craig Donation Claim Marker

Inscription. Located Sept. 15, 1846 by William Craig mountain man and his Indian wife Isabel.

First permanent white settler in Idaho, 1840, first Nez Perce Indian Agent, 1848; interpreter at Walla Walla Flathead and Blackfoot Councils, 1855 Lieutenant Colonel, Washington Territory Volunteers, Indian Wars 1856; first Postmaster of Walla Walla, 1858. This was the first homestead in Idaho. Here the family of the Reverend Henry Harmon Spaulding was sheltered following the Whitman Massacre, 1847.

Erected 1946 by Sons of the American Revolution, Col. Wm. Craig Chapter No. 2.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Churches & Religion • Government & Politics • Native Americans • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Sons and Daughters of Idaho Pioneers, and the Sons of the American Revolution (SAR) series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is September 15, 1846.

Location. 46° 21.444′ N, 116° 46.158′ W. Marker is in 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

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flies. William Craig (a few steps from this marker); St. Joseph's Mission (approx. 2.3 miles away); 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.

Also see . . . William Craig – Frontiersman and Trapper -- Legends of America. In 1848, Craig was appointed as Indian Agent for the Nez Perce tribe and at Fort Boise. During this time he worked as an interpreter, peacemaker, and occasionally scouted for the army. He also served as a volunteer in the Yakima Indian War in Washington eventually attaining the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. (Submitted on August 12, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.)

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 6, 2018

2. Craig Donation Claim Marker

The Craig Donation Claim marker is located just beyond the Idaho Department of Transportation marker.

Col. William Craig image. Click for full size.

Public domain

3. Col. William Craig

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 267 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 12, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.