Pottawatomie Indian Pay Station facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Pottawatomie Indian Pay Station
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| Nearest city | St. Marys, Kansas |
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| Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1855 |
| NRHP reference No. | 72000521 |
| Added to NRHP | April 13, 1972 |
The Pottawatomie Indian Pay Station is a historic building located in St. Marys, Kansas. It has a very important connection to the Potawatomi people, a Native American tribe. This building was used a long time ago to help the United States government give payments to the Potawatomi tribe.
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A Special Building from 1855
This building was constructed from strong stone in 1855. It was built for a specific purpose: to be a place where government agents could pay a regular amount of money to the Potawatomi tribe members. These payments were called annuities. The Potawatomi people received these payments because they had agreed to move from their original homes near the Great Lakes Region. In return, they were given reservation land in Kansas.
Why Was This Building Needed?
Imagine a time before banks were everywhere. The government needed a safe and official place to handle these important money payments. The Pottawatomie Indian Pay Station served as that secure spot. It made sure the payments reached the right people.
The Potawatomi People
The Potawatomi are a Native American tribe with a rich history. Their name means "Keepers of the Fire." Originally, they lived in the Great Lakes region of North America. This area includes parts of what are now the states of Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana.
Moving to Kansas
Over time, due to treaties and government policies, many Potawatomi people were moved from their ancestral lands. They were relocated to new areas, including Kansas. This move was a big change for the tribe. The annuities paid at the Pottawatomie Indian Pay Station were part of the agreements made during these relocations.
A Landmark in St. Marys
The Pottawatomie Indian Pay Station is very important to the town of St. Marys, Kansas. It is the oldest building still standing in the town and in the entire county. This means it has seen a lot of history unfold.
Part of St. Mary's Mission
This historic building is also the oldest part of the larger St. Mary's Mission (Kansas). The mission was an important center for the Potawatomi people and for the early settlers in the area. The pay station played a key role in the mission's early days.
Recognized for Its History
Because of its unique history and importance, the Pottawatomie Indian Pay Station was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1972. This special list includes buildings, sites, and objects that are important to American history. Being on this list helps protect the building and reminds everyone of its past.
