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

Watson's Store

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 7, 2018

1. Watson's Store Marker

Caption: (bottom right) Lewis and Margaret Watson operated this general store from 1911 to 1964.

Inscription. Watson’s store was typical of country stores that served small communities on the Nez Perce reservation in the early 1900s. The inventory included groceries and hardware, yet Watson’s also had stocks of beads for decorative work and canvas for tipis specifically for Nez Perce customers. The Watsons adapted their business practices to meet the needs of their clientele, often accepting barter rather than cash to pay for goods.
Many of the town’s buildings are now gone, but the store is a reminder that the Watsons were once a prominent part of a thriving community. Because it is near the main road, the store also served travelers visiting the Spalding state park or driving between Lewiston and Lapwai.

Erected by Nez Perce National Historical Park.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce.

Location. 46° 26.809′ N, 116° 49.037′ W. Marker is near Lapwai, Idaho, in Nez Perce County. Marker is on Watson's Store Road near Spalding Avenue, on the left when traveling north. 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. Spalding’s Presbyterian Church (a few steps from this marker); Coming of the Railroad (about 600 feet away, measured

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

in a direct line); Indian Agent's Residence (about 700 feet away); Lapwai Mission Cemetery (approx. ¼ mile away); Rev. Henry Harmon Spalding (approx. ¼ mile away); Spalding’s Gristmill Canals (approx. ¼ mile away); Nez Perce Village Site (approx. ¼ mile away); Indian Agency Cabin (approx. 0.3 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.

Watson's Store and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 7, 2018

2. Watson's Store and Marker

Watson's Store image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, May 7, 2018

3. Watson's Store

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 262 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 14, 2018, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.