Fort Walla Walla Museum 

WALLA WALLA-The first fort was established in 1856 and was home to dragoon, infantry, artillery, and cavalry units until 1910. The museum occupies 15 acres and opened in 1968.  The entrance building opened in 2010.

Upon arrival at the entrance building, we stopped at the General Store to purchase our tickets and proceeded on a self-guided tour of the hall and its three galleries.  

The hall has bronzes by Walla Walla native David Manual, a historic stagecoach, and other exhibits.

In the three galleries, there is an abundance of history. In the rotating special exhibit gallery, you can read about music in the Walla Walla valley and see a violin template used by Dayton violin maker W.L. Bramhall. 

Another gallery has antique toys, period clothing, gold rush artifacts, Indian artifacts, and a permanent wave machine. You will learn about the local Lloyd family of nearby Waitsburg and their relationship with the Palouse people.  There is also a 38-star Garrison Flag that you do not want to miss.

The Military and Indian People gallery tells the story of the Buffalo Soldiers who were stationed in Walla Walla from 1902 until 1904. You will read about Captain William Clark, presenting Walla Walla Chief Yellept with his sword, a peace medal, and other items in 1806.

Outside the main hall are four exhibit halls, and down the hill is the Pioneer Village.  Exhibit Hall Two has the nation's most extensive collection of horse-era equipment.  In Exhibit Hall Three, you will see a model of 33 horses and a combine that the horses pulled; donated by Carl Penner.  Transportation is the theme in Exhibit Hall Four containing a sheep wagon, a doctor's buggy, and other period wagons. The hall also features a branding iron collection and an ox-shoeing stall.  This is where I learned that they put shoes on oxen.  I never knew that!

In the Pioneer Village, there is a blockhouse, cabins, general store, harness shop, play cabins, schoolhouse, Prescott Jail, blacksmith shop, carriage house, barbershop, railroad depot, and a doctor's office.  Doors to look inside these buildings will be closed for the winter starting in November.  You can still walk the grounds around the village and learn the history of the Fort Walla Walla Cemetery, which was established in 1856.  The park is open daily; November through February, 10 am - 4 pm.  March through October 10 am - 5 pm.  Closed Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Day. 

There is a lot to learn, see and remember when you take a tour of Fort Walla Walla. At the museum's general store, you can find an assortment of books, toys, gifts, and more.  Fort Walla Walla is a great family educational experience.

The Museum will be hosting two upcoming events; "Do no harm; Medical challenges on the Lewis and Clark Expedition" on November 5. Gary Lenz will portray Sgt. Patrick Glass, providing a brief overview of medical theory of the period.

On November 10, "The cadence of the canoe and the rhythm of the rails will bring histrory through music.