Council Grove in Morris County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Guardian of the Grove
Created by
— Thomas Mark Sampsel —
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., February 19, 2011
1. Guardian of the Grove Marker
This Kanza warrior stands as a tribute to the tribe for whom the State of Kansas is named. Also known as the Kaws, the Kanzas occupied a reservation in this area from 1848 to 1873. Today's tribal government, the Kaw Nation, is headquartered in Kaw City, Oklahoma.
Sculptor Thomas Mark Sampsel presented the "Guardian of the Grove" to the City of Council Grove on July 13, 1998. Sampsel donated his time and talent with the hope that future generations will continue to preserve Kansas history.
Organized by the Friends of Kaw Heritage, community volunteers supported the artist's work with labor and money. The bronze was cast at Tefft Terra Studios and Foundry in Lawrence, Kansas, by Sampsel's friend and mentor, Elden Tefft.
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The Peace Pipe symbolizes the warrior's honesty and good will. The twist of his torso reflects the tensions of the Kanza Tribe struggling to retain their identity while adjusting to the dominant Euro-American culture.
The robe indicates the warrior is preparing to speak. The four folds of the robe represent the four directions of the wind. The Kanzas are known as the "Wind People." Within the shadows of the robe are signatures of recent Kaw Nation tribal members.
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To discover
this page online
This land was donated by Neosho L. Fredenberg in memory of her father, Dr. L. Fredenberg, a pioneer Council Grove veterinarian
Erected 1998 by Friends of Kaw Heritage, Community Volunteers, Thomas Mark Sampsel, and Neosho L. Fredenberg.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Native Americans. A significant historical date for this entry is July 13, 1998.
Location. 38° 39.72′ N, 96° 29.275′ W. Marker is in Council Grove, Kansas, in Morris County. Marker is at the intersection of Main Street (U.S. 56) and Union Street, on the right when traveling west on Main Street. Monument is at the southeast entrance to the Neosho Riverwalk. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Council Grove KS 66846, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Council Grove (within shouting distance of this marker); Rendezvous on the Trail (within shouting distance of this marker); Madonna of the Trail (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Neosho Crossing (about 300 feet away); Post Office Oak (about 400 feet away); Brewery (about 500 feet away); a different marker also
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., February 19, 2011
2. Guardian of the Grove Marker
With "Guardian of the Grove" sculpture in distance
Also see . . .
1. The Kaw Nation. Peoples of the Southwind website (Submitted on July 21, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. 8 Wonders of Kansas History: Council Grove, Santa Fe Trail National Historic Landmark. Kansas Sampler Fo8undation website entry (Submitted on July 21, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., February 19, 2011
3. Guardian of the Grove
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., February 19, 2011
4. Guardian of the Grove Marker
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., February 19, 2011
5. Guardian of the Grove Marker
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., February 19, 2011
6. Guardian of the Grove Sculptor Marker
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., February 19, 2011
7. Guardian of the Grove Land Donor Marker
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., February 19, 2011
8. Guardian of the Grove
Credits. This page was last revised on January 25, 2022. It was originally submitted on July 21, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 738 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. submitted on July 21, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.
