Near Scott City in Scott County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
El Quartelejo
In Scott County State Park three miles northwest is El Quartelejo, only known Indian pueblo in Kansas. About 1650, it is believed, Taos Indians migrated here to escape Spanish oppression. Later they were persuaded by the Spanish governor to return to New Mexico. In 1706 Juan Uribarri formally took possession of the valley for Spain, calling it San Luis province. Spaniards and Frenchmen in the frontier struggles of the 1700's alternately occupied the outpost. Drifting soil eventually buried the structure and not until 1898 were the ruins excavated, revealing a typical pueblo with traces of an irrigation system. Today they are again buried but the site is marked by a monument.
Near here in 1878 Col. William H. Lewis, commanding troops from Fort Dodge, was fatally wounded in a battle with Chief Dull Knife and his Northern Cheyennes. Lewis was the last army officer killed by Indians in Kansas.
Erected by Kansas Historical Society and State Highway Commission. (Marker Number 81(A).)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Native Americans • Wars, US Indian. In addition, it is included in the Kansas Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1650.
Location. 38° 37.79′ N, 100° 54.125′ W. Marker is near Scott City, Kansas, in Scott County. Marker is on U.S. 83, half a mile north of Kansas Highway 95, on the left when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Scott City KS 67871, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 11 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Battle Canyon, 1878 (approx. 1.7 miles away); Steele Memorial (approx. 3.2 miles away); Plains Apache at El Cuartelejo (approx. 3.3 miles away); a different marker also named El Quartelejo (approx. 3.3 miles away); El Cuartelejo Archeology (approx. 3.3 miles away); Pueblo Floor Plan (approx. 3.3 miles away); El Cuartelejo (approx. 3.3 miles away); War Memorial (approx. 10.1 miles away).
Also see . . .
1. El Quartelejo Pueblo Ruins. Western Vistas Historic Byway website entry (Submitted on August 20, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.)
2. El Cuartelejo. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on April 22, 2023, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Credits. This page was last revised on July 5, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 20, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 715 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 20, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. 3, 4. submitted on April 22, 2023, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.