Walla Walla, Washington

Wine and onions are
what this town is noted for, 
- and museums, too

~ carliewired

We started our day with a fabulous breakfast downtown at the "Maple Counter". It came highly recommended, and justifiably so. 
The next stop was the Kirkman House Museum in the downtown area. It was built in 1879/80 at a cost of $7000. Brick came from around Athena, Oregon, thirty miles away. Most of the architectural elements were made on the east coast and shipped around the tip of South America or by train across the country. The Kirkmans lived in this house until 1919. The building has gone through other hands since the family left. It has been lovingly restored and is a wonderful asset to the community. 
The Fort Walla Walla Museum tells the story of the Walla Walla Valley. It occupies 15 acres within Fort Walla Walla Park, which is on the site of the original military reservation. The story begins with the Lewis and Clark expedition in 1806. It continues through time with the fur trade, the establishment of the military fort, the pioneers, the gold rush and the agricultural industry of the area. Its 45,000 exhibits and photographs, plus the pioneer village, give a window into the lives of the many people who have inhabited the Walla Walla Valley.