Near Highland in Doniphan County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Cooperation and Conflict on the Trail
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., May 29, 2011
1. Cooperation and Conflict on the Trail Marker
Many diaries of travelers on the Oregon-California Trail speak of good relations with Native Americans. Indians helped travelers by delivering their letters, pulling their wagons up steep banks, teaching them about edible plants, and keeping watch at night. Rather than fear the Indians, many travelers were fascinated by the native peoples.
There were several of them here, quite fine looking fellows...they were of the Sacs & Fox tribes. One was a chief, he was dressed in real indian stile (sic), had his hair shaved off all except the crown lock, which was tied up & ornamented with beads & feathers.
Lodisa Fizzell
1852
At times there was conflict between native populations and travelers. It was upsetting to Native Americans that the buffalo were being scared away. The prairie was being overgrazed, and the small quantity of timber was being exhausted. Water resources also were limited.
In contrast to popular belief more Native Americans were killed by travelers on the trail than travelers killed by Native Americans. Native Americans were more threatened by disease than by guns.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Environment • Native Americans • Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1852.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Iowa, Sac and Fox Mission (here, next to this marker); The Highland Presbyterian Mission (here, next to this marker); The Oregon-California Trail (a few steps from this marker); The Wolf River Crossing (a few steps from this marker); A Manual Training School (within shouting distance of this marker); An Agricultural Mission (within shouting distance of this marker); The Missionary Movement (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); A Dangerous Coexistence (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Highland.
Also see . . .
1. Oregon National Historic Trail. (Submitted on October 7, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. California National Historic Trail. (Submitted on October 7, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
3. Oregon-California Trails Association. (Submitted on October 7, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., May 29, 2011
2. Cooperation and Conflict on the Trail Marker
Mission building in background
Photographed By Unknown, undated
3. Photo on Cooperation and Conflict on the Trail Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on December 9, 2021. It was originally submitted on October 7, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 439 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on October 7, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
