Rosalia in Whitman County, Washington — The American West (Northwest)

Steptoe Battlefield

Photographed by Mark Teshera

1. Steptoe Battlefield Marker

Inscription. Here on May 17, 1858, 159 American soldiers, commanded by Lt. Col. E.J. Steptoe, engaged in a running fight with a large band of Spokane, Palouse and Coeur D'Alene Indians. Taking cover on a nearby hill, they beat off a series of attacks until night halted the battle. With ammunition almost gone and facing disaster, they retreated hurriedly with their wounded, and under cover of darkness, toward Fort Walla Walla. Steptoe's defeat was among the results of unenlightened dealings with the Indian tribes in this region. Later in the year the Indians were ruthlessly subjugated in a full-scale campaign.

Erected by Washington State Highway Commission in cooperation with the State Parks and Recreation Commission.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Wars, US Indian. A significant historical date for this entry is May 17, 1858.

Location. 47° 13.674′ N, 117° 21.332′ W. Marker is in Rosalia, Washington, in Whitman County. It is on U.S. 195 0.2 miles south of Pandora Road, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Rosalia WA

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99170, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Palouse

and in Greater Spokane.

It is also in the American Mountain West

and in the Lewis & Clark Corridor.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Other nearby markers. At least 2 other markers are within 13 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Horn School Rest Area (approx. 3.3 miles away); Hanging Tree Monument (approx. 12½ miles away).

Photographed by Mark Teshera

2. Steptoe Battlefield Marker

Photographed by Mark Teshera

3. Steptoe Battlefield Marker

The obelisk at Steptoe Battlefield State Park Heritage Site can be seen at right.

Credits. This page was last revised on April 11, 2025. It was originally submitted on March 28, 2025, by Mark Teshera of Oroville, Washington. This page has been viewed 373 times since then and 71 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on March 28, 2025, by Mark Teshera of Oroville, Washington. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.