Parma in Canyon County, Idaho — The American West (Mountains)

Marie Dorion

Photographed by Rebecca Maxwell, August 28, 2009

1. Marie Dorion Marker

Inscription. An Iowa Indian who came through here with Wilson Price Hunt's fur trappers in 1811, Marie Dorion spent an incredible winter in this region in 1814.

She and her two infant children were sole survivors of a mid-January Bannock Indian clash at John Reid's fur trade post 6 miles west of here. So they had to set out with two horses on a 200-mile retreat through deep mountain snow. Finally a Columbia River band of Walla Walla Indians rescued them in April.

Erected by Idaho Historical Society. (Marker Number 78.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Indigenous Peoples and Communities. In addition, it is included in the Idaho State Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1811.

Location. 43° 46.787′ N, 116° 55.944′ W. Marker is in Parma, Idaho, in Canyon County. It is on Parma Road 0 miles Parma Road, on the left when traveling west. Located close to the Old Fort Boise Replica at the east entrance to the city. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Parma ID 83660, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on the Snake River Plain

and in Greater Boise.

It is also in the American Mountain West.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Other nearby markers.

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At least 8 other markers are within 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Old Fort Boise (here, next to this marker); Fort Boise (a few steps from this marker); Old Oregon Trail (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named Old Oregon Trail (approx. 6.1 miles away in Oregon); Starvation Camp (approx. 6.1 miles away in Oregon); Old Fort Boise Snake River Crossing Kiosk (approx. 6.1 miles away in Oregon); Lower Boise (approx. 7.7 miles away); The South Alternate Route of the Oregon Trail (approx. 7.8 miles away in Oregon). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Parma.

Regarding Marie Dorion. Marie Dorian was the wife of a Canadian half-breed interpreter, Pierre Dorion. She was wintering in a cabin near Parma in January 1814 when word came that nearby Indians were on the warpath. Marie and her two children alone escaped and fled westward. They swam icy rivers, trudged across snow deserts, and climbed up canyons. After three months and nearly starving, they were rescued by friendly Walla Walla Indians. They finished their journey in an act of courage and endurance.

Marker in Front of Old Fort Boise Replica image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Rebecca Maxwell, August 28, 2009

2. Marker in Front of Old Fort Boise Replica

Nearby Statue of Marie Dorion image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Rebecca Maxwell, August 28, 2009

3. Nearby Statue of Marie Dorion

Marie Dorion Statue image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, August 25, 2019

4. Marie Dorion Statue

Enscribed on the base:
In mid-winter 1814 Marie Dorian fled from near Parma to Walla Walla 500 miles - one of the greatest feats of endurance ever known.

Art Yensen - artist
Paul Yadon - mason
Nathan Leigh - welder
July 4, 1976

Credits. This page was last revised on October 21, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 28, 2009, by Rebecca Maxwell of Boise, Idaho. This page has been viewed 4,547 times since then and 84 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 28, 2009, by Rebecca Maxwell of Boise, Idaho. 4. submitted on October 20, 2019, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.