[2] The south end of the park was known as the Lower Crossing of the Umatilla River for the Oregon Trail originally and later for the stage and freight roads.

Archeological excavations from the Fort Henrietta-Utilla Indian Agency Site found at least seasonal occupation by Native Americans going back over 3500 years, probably as a transportation hub due to the Umatilla River from prehistoric times.

In 1855 the Agency was burned down by the Cayuse during the Yakima War after which the Oregon militia built a frontier outpost called Fort Henrietta.

[5] In November that same year the Oregon Mounted Volunteers built the 100 square foot fort on the site of the destroyed Umatilla Indian Agency.

Within the collection, there is a covered wagon museum, antique fire equipment, and a public access point to the river.