The mission is located near Tampico, Washington and was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.

D'herbomez, originally from Le Havre, France arrived in Oregon Territory on 1847, and was ordained a year later.

Prior to founding the St. Joseph's Mission, D'herbomez served as priest of the Oblates of Mary Immaculate.

[3][4] Kamiakin's men helped excavate primitive irrigation canals in the arid soil, allowing them to raise various crops including wheat, corn, pumpkin, potatoes and melons.

The mission was burned down in 1855 during the Yakima Indian War by US army soldiers suspicious that the priests had been collaborating with the Yakamas.