The Whitman Sisters

The Whitman Sisters, also known as the Whitman family, refers to the historical figures of the Whitman missionaries in the 19th century, particularly Narcissa Whitman and her husband, Marcus Whitman. They played crucial roles in the settlement of the Oregon Territory and are known for their attempts to convert Native Americans to Christianity. Their tragic story includes their murders by Native Americans in 1847, which heightened tensions between settlers and Indigenous peoples, influencing westward expansion and U.S. policies. The Whitmans symbolize the complexities of American expansionism, involving themes of cultural clash and the consequences of missionary efforts.