Guardian of the Grove
The eight-foot-high bronze Guardian of the Grove represents a peaceful Kansa holding a twisted pipe symbolizing strong medicine. His skin robe denotes him as a respected speaker and the robe's four folds
represent the four cardinal directions. Northwest corner of Main Street and Union Street. Council Grove.
Quivira Historical Society obelisks
Quivira Historical Society obelisks
Quivira Historical Society obelisks
The QHS, which operated from 1901 to 1912 in Alma, put up this monument in 1904 to honor Tatarrax of the Harahey, a tribe associated with the Pawnee and mentioned by Francisco Coronado in 1541. 1101 Fremont Street, Manhattan. Image: William Fischer, Jr.
Quivira Historical Society obelisks
Quivira Historical Society obelisks
This QHS monument honors the Harahey and Coronado. East grounds of the Wabaunsee County Courthouse. Alma.
Quivira Historical Society obelisks
Juan de Padilla, a Spanish Catholic missionary on Coronado's 1541 expedition, was killed on his return to early Kansas in 1542 by a tribe. As the first Christain martyr, he was honored by the QHS here. 407 Broadway, Herrington.
Death Memorials
Last Indian Raid
Cherry Creek Encampment
Union Pacific Laborers
Erected by the State of Kansas and Decatur County to honor the 19 settlers killed by a band of Northern Cheyenne Indians on September 30, 1878, the monument image dates to the 1940s. Oberlin Cemetery, Oberlin. Image: Kansas State Historical Society
Union Pacific Laborers
Cherry Creek Encampment
Union Pacific Laborers
The Union Pacific Railroad placed his memorial for six track laborers killed on duty by Cheyenne one mile west of site in 1867. Third Street and Cathedral Avenue, Victoria.
Cherry Creek Encampment
Cherry Creek Encampment
Cherry Creek Encampment
Tobe Zweygardt built this memorial for Cheyenne and Arapaho who died and survived in the 1864 U.S. troop attack in Julesberg, Colorado, at Sands Creek. Two miles northwest of Highways K-27 and US-36 intersection, St. Francis.
Wounded Knee
Kidder Massacre
Cherry Creek Encampment
The memorial honors soldiers killed in 1890 battle with Sioux at Wounded Knee and Drexel Mission, South Dakota. Fort Riley.
Kidder Massacre
Kidder Massacre
Kidder Massacre
The Friends of the Library placed this marker in 1967 to remember victims. On private land, near Goodland. Image: Kansas Geological Survey
Anniversary celebration sites
Keeper of the Plains
Created by Blackbear Bosin in 1974, the 44-foot steel sculpture Keeper of the Plains was built for the Bicentennial. Downtown Wichita at the confluence of the Big and Little Arkansas rivers.
Shawnee Tribal Leader
Placed to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the City of Eudora (1857 - 2007), the statue made by Jim Brothers is of Paschal Fish and Fish's daughter, Eudora. Ninth and Main streets, Eudora.
Sacred Places
In‘zhúje ‘waxóbe
In‘zhúje ‘waxóbe
In‘zhúje ‘waxóbe
A quartzite boulder at the confluence of Shunganunga Creek and the Kansas River was moved in 1929 to Lawrence as a tribute to the city's first settlers, seen here. Because the Kansa viewed the boulder as a sacred object for prayers, a collaborative project transported the boulder in 2023 to Kansa tribal land near Council Grove.
Burnett's Mound
In‘zhúje ‘waxóbe
In‘zhúje ‘waxóbe
Named for Potawatomi Abram Burnett, who lived nearby, the sacred place protected by powerful wind spirits is said to be watched over by the Great Spirit and watches over the dead who have been laid to rest here. An interstate bypass and building development have enveloped it. Five blocks west and one block north of S.W. 35th and Gage Boulevard, Topeka.
Serpent effigy
In‘zhúje ‘waxóbe
Serpent effigy
Stretching 160 feet and cut into sod an estimated hundreds of years ago by Wichita ancestors, the serpent shape has been theorized to relate to water, protection, climate change transition, and a calendar but its exact significance remains unknown. On private land bought by Wichita tribe in 2024 at 2225 Avenue H, Lyons
Healing Places
Waconda Springs
Waconda Springs
Waconda Springs
Tribes used mineral water from springs such Mitchler Springs (305 North Pearl) in Paola, Geuda Springs, and those by Carbondale, Kingman, and Sycamore Spring for healing. They drank and soaked in the water. Of all, Waconda Springs, or the “Great Spirit Springs,” in the Solomon River Valley seen here was revered the most by the Plains tribes. South of Cawker City, the mineral spring as seen in this 1873 illustration had a bowl-like basin, great depth, and supposed healing powers. Settlers found trinkets, weapons, and other offerings by the springs now submerged after construction of the Glen Elder Dam.
Medicine Lodge
Waconda Springs
Waconda Springs
Tribes also poured mineral water over hot rocks for sweat baths. The Kiowa built a circular sweatlodge (source of the city Medicine Lodge's name) where they placed healing plants and the nearby river's mineral water on heated rocks to inhale steam vapors for the cleansing of the body and spirit. Frank Leslie's printed this Medicine Lodge illustration in 1867.
Treaty Markers
Osage 1825 Treaty
Medicine Lodge Peace 1867 Treaty
Medicine Lodge Peace 1867 Treaty
The remains of an oak tree and this plaque mark the 1825 gathering of the Osage and three U.S. commissioners negotiated an agreement to grant travelers safe passage along the Santa Fe Trail through Osage territory. West Main Street, Council Grove.
Medicine Lodge Peace 1867 Treaty
Medicine Lodge Peace 1867 Treaty
Medicine Lodge Peace 1867 Treaty
This statue commemorates the Signing of the Treaty of 1867 between the U.S. government and Apache, Arapaho, Cheyenne, Comanche, and Kiowa. 200 North Main, Medicine Lodge.
Individual Recognition
Charles Bluejacket
Baptiste and Mary Peoria
Baptiste and Mary Peoria
Taking Time statue depicts Charles Bluejacket (1817-1897), a minster and partial Shawnee, and was created by Charles Goslin. Johnson Drive and Cody, Herman Laird Park, Shawnee.
Baptiste and Mary Peoria
Baptiste and Mary Peoria
Baptiste and Mary Peoria
Mounted busts of Baptiste Peoria, Confederated Peoria Tribes and his wife Mary Ann Isaacs Dagenet Peoria pay tribute to their role founding Paola. Northwest corner of the Paola Town Square. Image: William Fischer, Jr.
Rose Philippine Duchesne
Baptiste and Mary Peoria
Rose Philippine Duchesne
Structure placed to honor nun who taught Indian children here in 1841. St. Philippine Duchesne Memorial Park, 8487 West 1525 Road, Centerville.
Natural Landmarks
Indian Rock
Indian Mound
Indian Mound
It’s said the rock marks the site of the Battle of Indian Rock in 1857, where the Cheyenne attacked Potawatomi outside of their buffalo hunting territory [Salina Journal, May 18, 1980]. 1500 Gypsum Avenue, Salina.
Indian Mound
Indian Mound
Indian Mound
A long-time viewing point for travelers, Indian Mound was a Santa Fe Trail landmark. Five miles southwest of Lakin.
Parks
Allegawaho Memorial Heritage Park. This park contains a two-mile walking trail with 11 identified historic locations telling Kansa history. Council Grove.
Deanna Rose Childrens Farmstead. At this 12-acre park with plants and animals is a Kanza Indian encampment with earthen lodge, tipis, and Indian artifacts. 13800 Switzer, Overland Park.
Lewis & Clark Historic Site. This historic site is where the Lewis and Clark expedition camped on July 4, 1804 and includes a replica of a Kanza Indian earthlodge dwelling seen here because Lewis and Clark wrote in their journals they camped near an uninhabited village of the Kanza Indians. 19917 314 Road, Atchison.
Kaw Point Park. Although the 10-acre park commemorates Captain Meriwether Lewis and Lt. William Clark who camped at this site June 26-29th, 1804 while traveling up the Missouri River to explore Louisiana Purchase lands, it also has a memorial to 19 regional tribes. 1403 Fairfax Trafficway, Kansas City, Kansas.
St. Philippine Duchesne Historical and Memorial Park. This park is on the stie of the St. Mary's Mission established in 1838 for the Potawatomi forced to relocate from Michigan and northern Indiana. Several died on the 660-mile Trail of Death and at the mission. Memorials, signs, and building remnants tell the story of those who lived here. 8487 West 1525 Road, Centerville.
State Markers
On Kansas highways
Throughout Kansas signage stands that mark a geographic site pertaining to tribes who once lived here. For example, Battle of Beaver Creek located west of Smith Center on K-36 can be found by turning south on Road M and traveling about three-fourths of a mile south. The Kansas Historical Society and the Kansas Department of Transportation have numerous historical markers relating to Indians in Kansas, including:
1. Shawnee Friends Mission. Quaker mission school for Shawnee on site 1836-1869. Southwest of I-35 and Shawnee Mission Parkway, Merriam.
4. Country of the Pawnees. Homeland of the Republic band (Kitkahahakis) of Pawnees. US-36, east end of Republican River bridge in Scandia.
18. St. Marys. St. Mary's Catholic Mission (1848-1871) for the Pottawatomie Indians and U.S. Pottawatomie agency (600 feet northwest of marker). US-24, eastern city limits of St. Marys.
21. Council Grove. Osage right of way given to Santa Fe Trail and 400-acre Kansa reservation here. US-56, Riverfront Park, Council Grove.
33. Kansa Indian Treaty. Kansa peace treaty to allow safe passage for Santa Fe Trail travelers on the Kansa land made in August 1825 a mile west on Turkey Creek and probably by Santa Fe Trail. Old US-81, 44 miles southeast of K-61 junction, McPherson County.
36. Waconda Springs. Sacred site to many tribes. US-24, two miles east of Cawker City.
43. Flight of the Cheyennes. Path taken by Northern Cheyenne trying to return to their homeland from Indian Territory. US-36, northeast of Oberlin.
51. Osage Catholic Mission. Mission school (1847-1870) for Osage students. K-57, St. Paul.
52. Osage Nation. Osage reservation with Presbyterian mission 3.5 miles from here. US-59 and 160th St., 1.5 miles north of Erie.
56. Drum Creek and the Civil War. Describes a confrontation between the Osage and Confederate soldiers.” US-160, one mile east of Independence.
60. The Cherokee Outlet/Strip. A 60-mile property of Cherokees opened for settlers in 1893. US-77, south of Arkansas City at 312th Road.
64. Indian Treaties of 1865. Gathering of hundreds for treaties that lasted only 18 months. .25 miles north of West 61st Street North, Park City.
67. Pawnee Indian Village Museum. Site of Republican band of Pawnee Indians village in early 1800s and museum. Pawnee Indian Museum State Historic Site.
68. The Land of Quivira. Part of area in which Wichita had villages. US-56, three miles west of Lyons.
69. Medicine Lodge Peace Treaties. Commemorates the 1867 treaties signed by Apache, Kiowas Comanche, Arapaho, and Cheyenne, including quote from Satanta, Kiowa: I come to say that the Kiowas and Commanches have made with you a peace, and they intend to keep it. If it brings prosperity to us, we of course will like it the better. US-160, Barber County Memorial Peace Park, one mile east of Medicine Lodge.
70. Fort Zarah. One of several forts between Fort Leavenworth to Fort Dodge for Santa Fe Trail protection from American Indian attacks. US-56, Barton County, one mile east of Great Bend.
71. Pawnee Rock. US-56, west of Pawnee Rock.
73. Battle of Coon Creek. Attack of Plains Indians against U.S. army wagons on the Santa Fe Trail in 1848. US-50, two miles east of Kinsley at Arkansas River bridge.
78. Lone Tree Incident. Ambush by 26 Cheyenne who killed six men of a surveying company eleven miles southwest of marker. US-54, one mile west of Meade.
81A. El Cuarterleho. Multi-room pueblo foundation in area lived in by southwest tribes and Apache. Lake Scott State Park, US-83, Ten miles north of Scott City.
81A. El Cuarterleho. Reconstruction of seven-room pueblo. US-83, Scott State Park.
82. Chouteau's Island. 1816 attack by 200 Pawnees on Auguste Chouteau's fur trappers. US-50/400, 0.1 miles west of Country Heights Road, by Lakin.
95. Kansa Indians. An 1827 government agency (2.5 miles southeast of marker) operated to convert the Kansa into farmers. US-24, east of Perry.
107. Louis Vieux. Louis Vieux, a toll bridge operator, handled business for the Pottawatomie and is buried nearby. Hill Road, three miles east of Louisville (off K-99).
114. When Coronado Came to Kansas. 1541 search for riches. City Park, Liberal.
National Historic Landmarks
National Park Service
The National Park Service recognizes nationally significant historic places. Those relating to American Indian tribes in Kansas, include:
Wyandotte National Burying Ground (Huron Cemetery). Established in 1843, by 1845 after an epidemic and flood more than 400 Wyandot were buried here in unmarked graves. Many of the later graves have markers still legible today. Minnesota Ave between 6th and 7th Streets. Kansas City, Kansas. Learn more in this property's National Register Nomination.
Whitefeather Spring and Grave of Tenskwatawa/Ten-Aqua-Ta-We (the Shawnee Prophet). The brother of Tecumseh, Tenskwatawa, a Shawnee spiritual leader, died in November of 1836 at his cabin near Whitefeather Spring. Learn more in this property's National Register Nomination. 3818 Ruby Avenue, Kansas City, Kansas.
Pottawatomie Indian Pay Station. Built of stone in 1855 and seen in image to right, the pay station served as a base for government agents to disperse a regular annuity to Pottawatomie tribe members who had been moved to Kansas reservation land. Learn more in this property's National Register Nomination. 111 East Mission Street, St. Mary's. Image: Kansas State Historical Society.
Independence Creek: Lewis & Clark Historic Site. The 13.5 acres of native grasses contains a re-created Kanza Earthlodge and recognized the Kansa who lived in area. 19917 314 Road, Atchison.
Kaw Point. Kawsmouth served as a trading point for furs and goods starting in 1690s. 1403 Fairfax Trafficway, Kansas City, KS. Kaw Point is where the Kansas River runs into the Missouri River.
El Cuartelejo. In 1898, S. W. Williston and H. T. Martin of the University of Kansas began excavating this archeological district consisting of 26 archeological sites located within and by Scott County State Park. Scott County State Park. Scott City. Learn more in the property's National Register Nomination.
Haskell Institute. One of the first large off-reservation boarding schools for Indian students established by the Federal government, Haskell Institute was founded in 1884. Learn more in the property's National Register Nomination. 23rd and Barker Avenue, Lawrence.
Shawnee Methodist Mission. One of several vocational training schools for Indian youth, the mission with 16 buildings on two thousand acres operated from 1839 to 1862. 53rd and Mission Road, Fairway. Learn more in the property's National Register Nomination.
