Places to Visit to Learn More about Ezra Meeker
Meeker Mansion
Meeker’s Puyallup mansion, now a historic house museum, is packed full of artifacts, photographs, and household items that provide an in-depth glimpse into the life of Ezra Meeker. Whether you join a guided tour or explore on your own, you’ll experience a taste of Meeker’s energy and enthusiasm for both the state of Washington and the Oregon Trail.
312 Spring Street
Puyallup, WA 98372
Washington State History Museum
Among the awesome information and artifacts you’ll find at the Washington State History Museum, located in Tacoma, are the actual oxen (preserved through taxidermy) that pulled Meeker’s wagon on two of his Oregon Trail journeys. Dave and Dandy, the famous and much photographed pair, lugged Meeker’s covered wagon on both his 1906-1908 and 1910-1912 trips. These were among several trips that Meeker took to promote the historical marking and commemoration of the Oregon Trail route.
1911 Pacific Ave
Tacoma, WA 98402
Along the Oregon Trail
As you travel in the West you’ll find many occasions where you cross paths with Oregon Trail. Museums and visitor centers are located at key points along the route, with historical markers at many more. Ezra Meeker’s efforts resulted in over 150 markers along the route, many remain today.
Stuff to Read to Learn More About Ezra Meeker
Puyallup: A Pioneer Paradise. by Lori Price and Ruth Anderson
This readable history shares the fascinating story of Puyallup (a fertile valley south of Seattle) and its early days of white settlement. Ezra Meeker and the booming-but-short hop-growing era are featured.
In His Own Words: Books by Ezra Meeker
Ezra Meeker was a prolific writer, authoring several books and publications during his 98 years. Many were written for children. Here is just a sample:
- The Busy Life of Eighty-Five Years of Ezra Meeker: Ventures and Adventures
- Ox-Team Days on the Oregon Trail
- Personal Experiences on the Oregon Trail Sixty Years Ago
- Uncle Ezra’s: Short Stories for Children
