Chief Wapello's Memorial Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Chief Wapello's Memorial Park
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 Location in Iowa
Location in the United States
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| Location | Southeast of Agency, Iowa off U.S. Route 34 |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| NRHP reference No. | 75000700 |
| Added to NRHP | March 27, 1975 |
Chief Wapello's Memorial Park is a special historical place near Agency, Iowa. It is also known as Chief Wapello's Gravesite and the Site of Sac and Fox Indian Agency. This park was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1975 because of its importance.
The park is located where an important Indian Agency once stood. This agency became the home for the Sauk and Meskwaki (Fox) tribes. They moved here after the Black Hawk War in 1832, following an agreement with the United States government.
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A New Home for the Tribes
After the Black Hawk War, the U.S. government asked the Sauk and Meskwaki tribes to move to this area. It was meant to be a new home for them.
General Street and Chief Wapello
General Joseph M. Street was chosen to be the Indian Agent for the tribes. He moved to the agency with his family. General Street worked hard to earn the trust of the tribes. He became good friends with Wapello, a respected chief of the Meskwaki people.
Important Markers at the Park
Today, you can find stone markers at the park that tell its story.
- One marker shows where the Agency House once stood. This was the main building of the agency.
- Another marker remembers a big meeting from 1842. At this meeting, the tribes and the U.S. government made agreements about the tribes' lands in Iowa.
- This marker also notes where the first Christian church services were held in this part of Iowa. Reverend Thomas Kirkpatrick, a Methodist preacher, led these services in 1838.
After some time, the Sauk and Meskwaki tribes moved again from this area to Kansas.
A Special Burial Ground
The land where Chief Wapello's Memorial Park is today was once the agency's garden. It became a burial ground for important people.
General Street's Burial
General Street passed away in 1840. He was buried right here at the agency. The tribes gave the land around his grave to his wife. This was a way to help her and her family.
Chief Wapello's Resting Place
Two years later, in 1842, Chief Wapello was buried next to his friend, General Street. This shows the deep respect they had for each other.
Other Burials at the Site
Other family members are also buried here. These include Eliza Street, General Street's wife, and their children. Major John Beach, who was General Street's son-in-law, is also buried here. Major Beach took over as the Indian Agent after General Street.
The Railroad's Promise
The Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad built tracks near the park. The Street family allowed them to use some land. In return, the railroad promised to take care of the park. They have kept their promise. The stainless steel marker you see in the park was put there by the railroad company.
