The native tradition of holding medicine men…

The native tradition of holding medicine men personally responsible for the patient's recovery eventually results in violence.

In what becomes known as the Whitman Massacre, Cayuse tribal members murder the Whitmans in their home on November 29, 1847.

Most of the buildings at Waiilatpu are destroyed.

Twelve other white settlers in the community are also killed.

For several weeks, fifty-three women and children are held captive before negotiations lead to them being released.

This event triggers an ongoing conflict between white settlers and local tribes, known as the Cayuse War.