A Study of War
 Wars of the World*
OnWar.com
Armed Conflict
Events Data
 
Whitman Massacre in the Oregon Territory 1847

Dr. Marcus Whitman (1802-47) established a mission, Waiilatpu, near present-day Walla Walla, Washington, in 1836. Blaming the white missionaries for an outbreak of measles that killed many member of their tribe, the unfriendly Cayuse Indians, whose sick members Whitman tried unsuccessfully to treat, attacked the mission on November 29, 1847, massacring Whitman, his wife, and 12 others and kidnapping 53 women and children (whom they held captive until ransomed). The Cayuse reportedly fulfilled an Indian custom that permits the survivors of deceased relatives to take revenge on a medicine man. Settlers in this part of the Oregon Territory declared war on the Cayuse.
Last Update: December 16, 2000

Armed Conflict Events Database

Armed Conflict Events Data (ACED) is an research project providing independent information about known wars, international disputes, civil wars, rebellions, coups, revolutions, genocides and other violent conflicts. ACED has been online since December 2000. Various partial revisions and modifications have been implemented since then, however, the limitations of the this format hamper further development. During 2005, the decision was made to radically restructure the available conflict information into a database. The new Armed Conflict Events Database (ACEDb) will substantially increase the utility of available conflict data for students of military history. As well, it will offer expanded opportunities to add and edit records of conflict. Existing research material will be maintained in its present form but no revisions are planned. More news about the development of ACEDb may be found at News About the Armed Conflict Events Database. Feedback is welcome.