Near Chouteau in Mayes County, Oklahoma — The American South (West South Central)

Union Mission and Cemetery

Photographed by James Hulse, September 11, 2021

1. Union Mission and Cemetery Marker

Inscription. Union Mission was established in 1820 by the United Foreign Missionary Society as a mission to the Osage. It was in existence only 15 years but occupies a unique position in Oklahoma history. It was the pioneer institution in bringing Christianity and aspects of Western Civilization such as education to Oklahoma. Here was the site of the first church, the first school and the first protestant wedding. The Union Mission Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution feels a pride in and obligation to commemorate the brave spirits who labored here.
November 7, 1992
Persons listed in the Union Mission journal as having died at this site between 1822-1825 and according to tradition, who are buried in Union Mission Cemetery. Baby of Abraham and Phoebe Beach Redfield - February 8, 1822 ° Osage woman - October 17, 1822 ° Osage infant - October 19, 1822 ° Infant child of Mr. and Mrs. Fuller - March 9, 1823 ° Robert Bake - August 20, 1823 ° Charlotte Vaille child - September 6. 1824 ° Jane Redfield child - September 9, 1824 ° Epaphras Chapman, first missionary to the Osage - January 17, 1825.

Erected 1997 by Daughters of the American Revolution.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites

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• Education • Religion & Religious Structures • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of the American Revolution series list. A significant historical date for this entry is January 17, 1825.

Location. 36° 7.464′ N, 95° 17.267′ W. Marker is near Chouteau, Oklahoma, in Mayes County. It is on County Highway N4330 1½ miles east of County Highway E600, on the right when traveling south. The marker is located in the front of the Union Mission Cemetery and it is laying flat on the the ground. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Chouteau OK 74337, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Cherokee Nation

and in Northeast Oklahoma — Green Country.

It is also in the American South,

specifically in the Ozarks,

on the prairies,

and on the Southern Plains.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Louisiana Purchase.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 13 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Union Mission (within shouting distance of this marker); Battle of Locust Grove (approx. 9.2 miles away); Wagoner County Veterans Memorial (approx. 12.4 miles away); Melvin "Buck" Garrison (approx. 12.4 miles away); Sam Powell and U.S. Court (approx. 12.4 miles away); Wagoner (approx. 12.4 miles away); World War II Memorial (approx. 12.4 miles away); First Permanent Brick Building (approx. 12.4 miles away).

Also see . . .

The Union Mission and Cemetery Marker is laying on the ground image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, September 11, 2021

2. The Union Mission and Cemetery Marker is laying on the ground

Union Mission Site.

The Union mission was started in 1820, and its school operated from 1821 to 1825. The school instructed 144 Indian children: 71 Osages, 54 Creeks, and 29 Cherokees; a total of 91 boys and 63 girls. Source: Wikipedia

(Submitted on September 11, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.)

Union Mission - National Register of Historic Places image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, September 11, 2021

3. Union Mission - National Register of Historic Places

Rev. Epaphras Chapman gravestone - January 17, 1825 image. Click for full size.

Photographed by James Hulse, September 11, 2021

4. Rev. Epaphras Chapman gravestone - January 17, 1825

First Missionary to the Osage

Credits. This page was last revised on September 11, 2021. It was originally submitted on September 11, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 937 times since then and 49 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 11, 2021, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.