Ranald McDonald's Grave is 18 miles northwest of Curlew Lake State Park on Mid Way Road and is a satellite to Osoyoos Lake State Park.

Acreage

.1 acre consisting of LOT 10, Section 22, Township 40 North, RANGE 32 East.

Acquired

Initial acquisition was in 1951 by use permit.

Historical Background

Ranald McDonald was the son of a Scotsman and Princess Raven, daughter of Chinook Indian Chief Comcomly. When he was ten or twelve years old he learned the Japanese language from two shipwrecked sailors at Fort Vancouver. This knowledge had a profound effect when Commodore Perry wanted to trade with Japan. Japan was a closed port, and their custom was to execute foreign sailors found on their shores. The U.S. Embassy could protect American sailors, and Ranald MacDonald purposely had himself shipwrecked upon the shore of Japan. He worked his way across the country to the capital and taught English to the Japanese to promote friendlier relations between Japan and the United States. He returned to live with his sister near the Canadian border at Toroda. This adventurer was born in 1824 and died in 1894 at Fort Colville. His grave is in a little cemetery on Kettle River.

Facilities

N/A

Activities

Historical interest.