Near Prescott in Walla Walla County, Washington — The American West (Northwest)
"honest, and sincere people"
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, June 14, 2026
1. "honest, and sincere people" Marker
Return of the Steel Trap
The Lewis and Clark Expedition camped a few miles east of here on May 1, 1805. Their camp was located along the Touchet River, visible in the field in front of you beyond this viewpoint
That evening, three young Walla Walla men caught up to the explorers after a pursuit of about 4O miles. The three men returned a steel trap left behind the day before at the Expedition's camp near the Walla Walla village. Supplies and equipment like this trap were valuable to the explorers, and they greatly appreciated the integrity of the Walla Walla men.
Setting a Trap
Expedition members like George Drouillard, the party's principal hunter, set steel traps to catch beaver, otter and other animals. The explorers ate the beaver's wide flat tail. One large tail could have fed two hungry people. The exchange of furs between European and American Indians began in the early 1500s, and the fur trade brought thousands of trappers and explorers to the West. Thick beaver pelts were made into felt, and to make hats
"some time after we had encamped three young men arrived from the Wallawollah village bringing with them a steal trap belonging to one of our party ... during our stay with them they several times found the knives of the men ... and returned them. I think we can justly affirm to the honor of these people that they are the most hospitable, honest, and sincere peoples that we have met with in our voyage."
this page online
"we gave them one a knife the other a Sun glass, &.C. and a little version ... they helped us as much as lay in their power and believe that we will return and trade with them, as we have told them."
John Ordway
May 2, 1806
"three of the Wal-la-wal-las came up with us and brought a steel trap that had been left at our camp..." bt Patrick Gass
Erected by Washington Lewis & Clark Expedition Bicentennial Commission.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Indigenous Peoples and Communities. In addition, it is included in the Lewis & Clark Expedition series list. A significant historical date for this entry is May 2, 1806.
Location. 46° 17.924′ N, 118° 20.159′ W. Marker is near Prescott, Washington, in Walla Walla County. It is on State Highway 124 at milepost 35 near State Highway 125, on the right when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 7236 Washington Highway 124, Prescott WA 99348, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Columbia Basin. It is also in the American Mountain
Photographed by Barry Swackhamer, June 14, 2026
2. "honest, and sincere people" Marker
Marker on the left.
Other nearby markers. At least 2 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Halfway House (here, next to this marker); Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla Homeland (here, next to this marker).
Credits. This page was last revised on September 20, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 20, 2026, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 5 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 20, 2026, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
