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

Coming of the Railroad

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, May 7, 2018

1. Coming of the Railroad Marker

Caption: (background) Nez Perce wait for the train at the Spalding stop in 1915. At that time the station was called "Joseph."

Inscription. This small train stop linked the Nez Perce with the cities of Lewiston, Idaho, and Spokane, Washington. Running directly through the reservation, the rails also opened this area to a wave of farmers and loggers who made striking changes to Nez Perce land.
The trains brought in passengers and hauled out grain, horses, and timber. The railroad was a catalyst accelerating contact with another culture, mixing and complicating Nez Perce cultural identity after thousands of years of one way of life.

Erected by Nez Perce National Historical Park.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Railroads & Streetcars.

Location. 46° 26.891′ N, 116° 49.094′ W. Marker is near Lapwai, Idaho, in Nez Perce County. It is on Watson's Store Road near 403 Road, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Lapwai ID 83540, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in North Idaho — Idaho’s Panhandle,

on Nez Perce Tribal Land,

and in the Palouse.

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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 walking distance of this marker: Indian Agent's Residence (within shouting distance of this marker); Spalding’s Presbyterian Church (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Watson's Store (about 600 feet away); Spalding’s Gristmill Canals (approx. 0.2 miles away); Lapwai Mission Cemetery (approx. 0.2 miles away); Rev. Henry Harmon Spalding (approx. 0.2 miles away); Nez Perce Village Site (approx. 0.2 miles away); Clearwater River (approx. ¼ mile 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.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, May 7, 2018

2. Coming of the Railroad 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 551 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 14, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.