Canton Indian Insane Asylum facts for kids
The Canton Indian Asylum, also known as the Hiawatha Asylum, was a special place for Native Americans. It was run by the government in Canton, South Dakota. This facility was open from 1898 to 1934.
A Difficult History
In 1898, the United States Congress decided to create a special facility. This was the only place in the country meant for "insane Indians." The Canton Indian Asylum opened its doors in January 1903. Its first leader was Oscar S. Gifford.
Many people sent to the asylum were not actually mentally ill. Native Americans might be sent there for disagreeing with the government. Sometimes, they were sent because their culture was not understood.
A study in 1927 by the Bureau of Indian Affairs found a sad truth. Many patients showed no signs of mental illness. While the asylum was open, over 350 people were held there. The conditions were very bad. At least 121 people died. The asylum was closed in 1934.
The Asylum Cemetery
A piece of land was set aside for a cemetery. However, the government decided not to pay for stone markers for the graves. Today, this cemetery holds at least 121 burials. It is located north of where U.S. Route 18 meets the old Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul and Pacific railroad tracks. 43°18′20″N 96°33′4″W / 43.30556°N 96.55111°W
In 1998, the National Park Service added the cemetery to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it is an important historical site.
