Cape Girardeau in Cape Girardeau County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

Capaha Park

Photographed by Jason Voigt, July 29, 2026

1. Capaha Park Marker

Inscription.
Cape Girardeau's recreational center was named in honor of the Capaha Indians whose fortified village occupied a high spot north of the big swamp just south of the city. This spot was undoubtedly familiar ground to the Capahas.

Desoto's expedition visited the tribe in 1542 shortly before the great explorer's death and his soldiers seeking salt passed through what is now Cape Girardeau.

Erected by Rotary International.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the Rotary International series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1542.

Location. 37° 18.617′ N, 89° 32.156′ W. Marker is in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, in Cape Girardeau County. It is on Broadway Street west of North West End Boulevard, on the right when traveling west. Marker is located near the southeast corner of the park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1401 Broadway St, Cape Girardeau MO 63701, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southeast

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Missouri. It is also in the American Ozarks,

in the Lewis & Clark Corridor,

in the Corn Belt,

and in the Great River Road Region.

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,

the Louisiana Purchase,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: World War I Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Replica of the Statue of Liberty (within shouting distance of this marker); The Battle of Cape Girardeau (approx. 0.4 miles away); St. James African Methodist Episcopal Church (approx. 0.7 miles away); H&H Building (approx. 0.8 miles away); Old Lorimier Cemetery (approx. 0.8 miles away); Marquette Tower (approx. 0.8 miles away); Royal N'Orleans (approx. 0.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cape Girardeau.

Regarding Capaha Park. Capaha Park is home to Capaha Field, which has a capacity of just over 2,000. The semi-pro teams that play there are are the Southeast Missouri State University teams,

Photographed by Jason Voigt, July 29, 2026

2. Capaha Park Marker

Looking west on Broadway

the Capahas and the Cape Catfish. In 1944, the St. Louis Browns held spring training at that field.

Also see . . . Capaha Park (City of Cape Girardeau). Capaha Park is the City of Cape Girardeau's oldest park, dating back to 1914. (Submitted on July 30, 2026, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)

Credits. This page was last revised on July 30, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 30, 2026, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 5 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 30, 2026, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.