Morris in Grundy County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Indian Pole

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 13, 2023

1. Indian Pole Marker

Inscription. Erected prior to 1700, over the grave of Chief Nucquette, near foot of Wauponsee Street, Morris.———
Moved by City Council — 1925

Erected 1925 by Alida C. Bliss Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Cemeteries & Burial Sites • Native Americans. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of the American Revolution series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1925.

Location. 41° 21.425′ N, 88° 25.411′ W. Marker is in Morris, Illinois, in Grundy County. Marker is on Liberty Street just south of East Washington Street, on the right when traveling north. The marker and pole are located near the northwest corner of the Grundy County Courthouse grounds. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 111 East Washington Street, Morris IL 60450, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The County Seat of Grundy County (here, next to this marker); Grundy County World War I Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Grundy County Civil War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Grundy County National Bank (within shouting distance of this marker); Frank Bros. Clothing Store

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(within shouting distance of this marker); Morris Downtown Commercial Historic District (within shouting distance of this marker); Elsie Armstrong (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Welcome to Morris a Historic I&M Canal town (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Morris.

Also see . . .
1. Morris History. Excerpt:

Believed to be over 300 years old, the oldest monument in Morris is the Red Cedar Pole that once stood in the center of a mound on Wauponsee Street, marking the grave of Illini Chief Nucquette. Worn away by time, the 30-ft height is now ten feet shorter and the carvings on its surface that told about the Chief’s life are gone. Since red cedar does not naturally grow in Illinois, its origin is a mystery.

(Submitted on September 18, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

2. Alida C. Bliss Chapter, NSDAR, Morris, Illinois. Excerpt:

The Alida C. Bliss Chapter has a proud history of fulfilling the objectives of the Daughters of the American Revolution: Historic Preservation, Education, and Patriotism.
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 13, 2023

2. Indian Pole Marker
(marker is mounted atop wrought iron fence ring that surrounds the pole)
We are good at it since we have been doing it for nearly 100 years! Our chapter has always placed great emphasis on historic preservation. A marker at the courthouse recognizes the life of Indian Chieftain Nucquette.

(Submitted on September 19, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 13, 2023

3. Indian Pole

(the extremely weathered wooden pole, about 20 feet tall, is located directly behind the marker)

Credits. This page was last revised on January 13, 2024. It was originally submitted on September 18, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 75 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 18, 2023, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.