Lapwai, ID Weather Cams
Lapwai, ID Visibility Camera (New Perce County, facing east, overlooking Clearwater River drainage)
Lapwai, Idaho: A Legacy of the Nez Perce, Fort Lapwai, and Transformation
Lapwai, ID Weather Cams. Lapwai, Idaho, located in Nez Perce County, holds a deep historical significance as the seat of government for the Nez Perce Indian Reservation. Its name originates from the Nez Perce word “Thlap-Thlap,” referring to the sound of butterfly wings, earning it the nickname “Valley of Butterflies”.
Early Nez Perce Presence and Lewis & Clark Expedition
The Nez Perce people have inhabited the Lapwai Valley for centuries, utilizing its fertile lands and abundant resources. In 1805, the famed Lewis and Clark Expedition passed through the area, marking one of the earliest recorded interactions between the Nez Perce and European explorers.
The Arrival of Reverend Henry Spalding
In 1836, Reverend Henry Harmon Spalding, a Presbyterian missionary, established the Nez Perce Indian Mission in Lapwai Valley. This mission became Idaho’s first white settlement, where Spalding introduced irrigation systems, schools, and the state’s first potato crops. By 1839, he printed the Northwest’s first books, including portions of the Bible, using the earliest printing press in the Pacific Northwest.
Fort Lapwai and the Gold Rush
The 1860 gold rush in Nez Perce lands led to increased tensions between settlers and the Nez Perce. In response, the U.S. government established Fort Lapwai in 1862, which remained active until 1885. The fort played a crucial role in negotiations between the Nez Perce and the U.S. military, including the 1877 meeting between General Oliver O. Howard and Nez Perce leaders, as they sought to remain on their ancestral lands.
Transition to Education and Governance
After 1885, Fort Lapwai was repurposed into a government Indian school, later becoming a tuberculosis sanatorium, a dormitory, and eventually a school under the Lapwai School District. In 1904, the Northern Idaho Indian Agencyrelocated to Fort Lapwai, further solidifying Lapwai’s role in Nez Perce governance.
Incorporation and Modern Development
Lapwai was officially incorporated on January 11, 1911, with over 200 residents at the time. Today, it remains the seat of government for the Nez Perce Nation, preserving its rich cultural heritage while adapting to modern developments.
Lapwai’s history is a testament to the resilience and legacy of the Nez Perce people, blending tradition with progress in the heart of Idaho.
For more information, go to the official Lapwai, ID web site.