Archives West Finding Aid

William Craig was born in Virginia in 1807 and died at his farm in Lapwai in 1869. Craig was the first Caucasian, non-missionary settler in what later became the state of Idaho. He was a trapper and explorer in the West as early as 1829, arriving in Lapwai by 1840. He filed a land claim under the Donation Land Claim Act of 1850, gaining ownership of 650 acres within the Nez Perce reservation. His relationship with the Nez Perce was one of mutual respect and high regard. Craig acted as in interpreter for the Nez Perce during the Walla Walla and Blackfoot Councils. He was married to Pah-Tis-Sah, daughter of Lapwai Valley chief, Big Thunder. The life and era of William Craig are recounted in many historical sources. (A photocopy of a recollection by Thomas Beall printed in the Lewiston Morning Tribune in 1918 is included with the collection as well as other information.) The manuscript collection contains records directly related to the land acquired by Craig and the subsequent surveys and litigation that occurred after his death. The land claimed by Craig was never officially surveyed and marked. The collection follows a paper trail of survey work, litigation and correspondence concerning the boundaries of the original claim and interviews with area residents who had knowledge of the Craig Donation Claim.