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

Spalding’s Gristmill Canals

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 7, 2018

1. Spalding’s Gristmill Canals Marker

Inscription. Father had a small grist mill near the house -- a great improvement over their (the Nez Perce) mortars and pestles. --- Eliza Spalding Warren

To power the gristmill that stood at this site, Henry Spalding directed some Nez Perce to dig a network of canals, dikes, and flumes. The gristmill and the nearby sawmill were part of a larger plan. Realizing that the Nez Perce life of moving with the seasons did not make them good candidates for full-time religious conversion, Spalding determined to make them permanent farmers.
A year after arrival, the Spaldings had 100 families -- out of a population of 5,000 people -- cultivating the land around the mission. A few historic ditches are still evident on this landscape -- humble indicators of a cultural transformation.

Erected by Nez Perce National Historical Park.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Waterways & Vessels.

Location. 46° 27.018′ N, 116° 48.996′ W. Marker is near Lapwai, Idaho, in Nez Perce County. Marker can be reached from Watson's Store Road near 403 Road, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Lapwai ID 83540, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Clearwater River (about 400 feet away, measured in

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a direct line); Lapwai Mission Cemetery (about 400 feet away); Spalding Mission (about 500 feet away); Spalding Home Site (about 500 feet away); Indian Agency Cabin (about 500 feet away); Rev. Henry Harmon Spalding (about 500 feet away); Site of the Lapwai Mission (about 500 feet away); Indian Agent's Residence (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Lapwai.

More about this marker. This marker is located at Nez Perce National Historical Park, Spalding's Mission site.

Spalding’s Gristmill Canals and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 7, 2018

2. Spalding’s Gristmill Canals and Marker

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 7, 2018

3. Spalding’s Gristmill Canals and Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on August 14, 2018. It was originally submitted on August 14, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 223 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 14, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.