The Whitman Massacre

» K_J_L - Whitman Massacre

Nice article on this event. I think it was the PBS series on the West that said there was tragic misunderstanding of both sides: The Whitmans never really understood the Indians any more than the Natives understood them. I like how you covered the aftermath as well. I have not read that part of the story until now. I am a member of an 1840's discussion group- I'm going to recommend your article to them.

Kevin Lindsey

-- posted by K_J_L

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» Gibson0817 - Re: Whitman Massacre

I'm glad you liked the article Kevin. I've heard the story so many times, growing up and living in Washington, that it seemed so ordinary and boring...but it really isn't. I think part of what I remember reading somewhere is that the Nez Perce were one of the few tribes that asked white man to bring his religion. But it wasn't because they wanted to change religion per se--they wanted it because they thought it would give them power over other tribes. So yes, Whitman, et al, would not understand why they would not be able to make the progress they thought they should. I have recently been reading about Peter Skene Ogden so got curious again. I have his biography, so one of these days I'll be writing about him. So many potential topics and so little time! Thanks for pointing new readers my way!

-- posted by Gibson0817

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» Tina_Coruth - Re: Re: Whitman Massacre

In response to message posted by Gibson0817:
Hi Elizabeth,

I enjoyed reading your article and the follow-up discussion. It does seem that a lack of understanding on both sides is responsible for so much strife between different groups of people, and that was no less true here. Thank you for this excellent article!

Tina

-- posted by Tina_Coruth

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