William Craig Homestead
William Craig was a mountain man and interpreter who married into a Nez Perce family after the American Fur Company closed operations in the 1840s. He became the only white person to receive official permission from the nimíipuu to settle on the reservation, making his homestead a unique place in the region's history.
Getting There
A historical marker for William Craig's homestead is located on the west side of U.S. Highway 95, about 8 miles south of Lapwai, Idaho. From Lapwai, turn right onto U.S. Highway 95 South. In about 4.3 miles, the pullout will be on your right.
What You'll See
The original homestead buildings no longer stand. The land is privately owned and not open to the public. The roadside pullout features a historical marker honoring William Craig as a mountain man, interpreter, and friend to the Nez Perce. The marker tells the story of how he was the first person in Idaho to obtain land through the Oregon Donation Land Act.
The Nez Perce National Historical Park visitor center is about 7 miles north and has more information about Craig and his unique place in the region's history.