Fort Nez Percés

Fort Nez Percés is a trading post on the Columbia River at Wallula with double wooden palisades and defensive towers at each corner. The structure included water storage and cannons, functioning as a supply stop for travelers and fur traders moving through the region.

The North West Company built the fort in 1818 as a strategic trading post, which came under Hudson's Bay Company control in 1821. This transfer shifted management of the site and how it operated for decades to come.

The fort brought together European traders and local nations including the Umatilla, Cayuse, Nez Perce, and Walla Walla who exchanged goods and information. These interactions shaped how commerce and relationships developed across the region.

The site sits about six miles from where the Snake River meets the Columbia, making it a useful stop for people traveling the Oregon Trail. The location provided easy access to water and supplies for those passing through the region.

After burning in 1841, the fort was rebuilt using adobe bricks instead of wood, marking a shift in construction methods for the region. This change reflected how building techniques adapted to local conditions and available materials.

Location: Washington

GPS coordinates: 46.08420,-118.90900

Latest update: December 8, 2025 20:03