Visit Craig Donation Land Claim

When the American Fur Company went out of business in 1840, William Craig settled in the Lapwai Valley. He met a Nez Perce headman known as Thunder Eyes and fell in love with his daughter and married her. William Craig's Donation Land Claim is the first place in Idaho where a white settle obtained title to a farm through the Oregon Donation Land Act. William Craig was the only white person to have official permission from the Nez Perce to live on the reservation.

This page provides the information you need to plan your visit.

 

William Craig's Homestead is now privately owned and is not accessible to the public. On the highway pullout off of U.S. Highway 95, there is a historical marker that remembers William Craig.

NPS Photo

Getting to Craig Donation Land Claim

A historical marker with information about the Craig Donation Land Claim is located on the west side of U.S. Highway 95, about 8 miles south of Lapwai, Idaho.

Location

• Latitude/Longitude for Highway Pullout:
  46°21'26.35"N 116°46'9.65"W

Driving to Craig Donation Land Claim

From Lapwai, Idaho, turn right onto U.S. Highway 95 South. In about 4.3 miles, the highway pullout will be on your right.

Things to Do at Craig Donation Land Claim

Explore the Site

William Craig's Homestead no longer stands. The land is now privately owned and is not accessible to the public. On the highway pullout off of U.S. Highway 95, there is a historical marker that remembers William Craig, a mountain man, interpreter, and friend of the Nez Perce.

Nearby Amenities

The Craig Donation Land Claim Highway Pullout is located approximately 7 miles south of the Nez Perce National Historical Park's visitor center where further information is available.

In addition, the Idaho Department of Commerce has a trip planning website that will help you locate hotels, campgrounds, restaurants, and other amenities near the Craig Donation Land Claim Highway Pullout.