Chief Waupaca

Photographed by Keith L, July 4, 2009

1. Chief Waupaca Marker

Inscription. Chief Waupaca, better known as Sam Wapuka, was a friendly Potawatomi Indian who lived in this vicinity about the time the first white men arrived. Although he was friendly to the settlers, his tribesmen were bitterly opposed to the invasion of the white man. Once on a trip with several of his warriors, they stopped where the present city of Waupaca is located. His men were eager to massacre the entire small settlement and Waupaca talked long and eloquently to prevent it. He succeeded but when he remounted his pony to continue on his way, he suddenly fell dead from his horse. His companions hurriedly buried him almost where he fell. Later relatives purchased several acres of land, including this site, and brought the body here. His sons Shopodock and Hongkoot, stepson Jake and at least sixteen other relatives are buried here with him.

Erected 1957 by the Wisconsin Historical Society. (Marker Number 73.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin Historical Society series list.

Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby.

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It was located near 44° 36.959′ N, 88° 53.992′ W. Marker was near Marion, Wisconsin, in Waupaca County. It was at the intersection of State Highway 110 and Schoneck Road, on the left when traveling south on State Highway 110. Touch for map. Marker was in this post office area: Marion WI 54950, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker was in Northern Wisconsin. It was also in the American Midwest,

on the Great Lakes,

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it was in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

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

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this location, measured as the crow flies: Wāpahkoh (here, next to this marker); History of Big Falls (approx. 5.7 miles away); Clintonville High School (approx. 6.7 miles away); Clintonville Veterans Memorial (approx. 6.8 miles away); Veterans Memorial (approx. 6.9 miles away); Portion of Wall of China (approx. 6.9 miles away); Four–Wheel Drive (approx. 7 miles away); Birthplace of an Airline (approx. 8.3 miles away).

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. New Replacement Marker At This Location titled "Wāpahkoh".

Photographed by Keith L, July 4, 2009

2. Chief Waupaca Marker

Photographed by Keith L, September 14, 2013

3. Chief Waupaca Marker

The posts have been replaced.

Chief Waupaca Gravestone image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Keith L, July 4, 2009

4. Chief Waupaca Gravestone

Chief Waupaca
Tribe of
Potawatamis
Erected May 1926

Chief Waupaca Historical Site image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Keith L, July 4, 2009

5. Chief Waupaca Historical Site

Marker is at the left edge of the photo.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 17, 2024. It was originally submitted on July 8, 2009, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 3,046 times since then and 77 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 8, 2009, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 3. submitted on January 8, 2014, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 4, 5. submitted on July 8, 2009, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.