Hattie Sherwood Park in Green Lake in Green Lake County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Chief Highknocker
The Last Chief to Rule at Green Lake
Photographed by William J. Toman, May 20, 2026
1. Chief Highknocker Marker
Chief Highknocker, whose Indian name was Hanageh, was the son of Chief Big Soldier. He was born in 1820 in his father's camp on the east shore of Green Lake. He spent his boyhood in what later became Green Lake County. In later years, because Hanageh delighted in going about in an old top hat, the people called him Highknocker, as he was known for the remainder of his life.
After his father's death, the Winnebago Tribe (Ho-Chunk Nation) moved to a reservation. Chief Highknocker and many of the tribe yearned for their "home" and would visit Green Lake each summer. Many village people and summer guests looked forward to the coming of the old chief, some of whom entertained him, as they listened to his fascinating tales of Indian lore.
On Saturday, August 12, 1911, Chief Highknocker, age 91, tried to swim across the Fox River to his camp. Sadly, he collapsed in the cold water and drowned, later to be buried in the Dartford Cemetery.
Erected 2025 by George W. King.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Government & Politics • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is August 12, 1911.
Location. 43° 50.542′ N, 88° 57.945′ W. Marker is in
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Northern Wisconsin. It is also in the American Midwest, on the Great Lakes, and in the Corn Belt. 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 Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 6 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Propeller from the Queen of the Lake (approx. Ό mile away); DartfordGreen Lake Dam (approx. 0.4 miles away); In Memory (approx. 0.4 miles away); "Daycholah" (approx. half a mile away); "No Hurry" (approx. 2.9 miles away); Chapel Car "Grace" (approx. 3 miles away); Birthplace of Republican Party (approx. 5.4 miles away); The Wisconsin Phalanx and Warren Chase (approx. 5.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Green Lake.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Ceresco (was approx. 5.8 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Photographed by William J. Toman, May 20, 2026
2. Chief Highknocker Marker and Statue
The Green Lake Mill Pond is in the background.
Photographed by William J. Toman, May 20, 2026
3. Chief Highknocker Marker and Statue
Dartford Bay of Green Lake is in the background.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 9, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 21, 2026, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 14 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 21, 2026, by William J. Toman of Green Lake, Wisconsin. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
