Pendleton in Umatilla County, Oregon — The American West (Northwest)
Chief Clarence T. Burke
Wetyétmes Tileylekéepit
— Swan Facing the Sunset —
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 30, 2017
1. Chief Clarence T. Burke Marker
Pendleton Round-Up Chief 1936-1987
Clarence T. Burke was the eldest son of Chief Poker Jim, the first Pendleton Round-Up Chief. Chief Burke was born at Cayuse and resided near there his entire life. Following his father's death in 1936, he became the co-chief with Willie Wocatsie in 1936 and served in that capacity for 51 years.
Chief Burke was often cited as "the most photographed Indian in North America." A local tribal woman once said that the most important thing Burke taught her was to build no barriers between yourself and others. Whether serving as an ambassador of the Confederated Tribes of Umatilla, or a representative of the Pendleton Round-Up and Happy Canyon, the Pendleton Woolen Mills, or the City of Pendleton, he was a popular figure wherever he traveled.
Chief Burke was inducted into the Pendleton Round-Up and Happy Canyon Hall of Fame in 1969.
An Eastern Oregonian editorial from July, 9 1987, noted that Burke "was impressive both on the outside ad on the inside." In his obituary, the EO wrote: "Clarence Burke's death ends a chapter in Indian-White relations in this area and in the success of the Round-Up and Happy Canyon. He was a tremendous person."
Erected by Pendleton Bronze Trail.
Topics.
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Location. 45° 40.387′ N, 118° 47.26′ W. Marker is in Pendleton, Oregon, in Umatilla County. Marker is on South Main Street near Southeast Byers Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 132 South Main Street, Pendleton OR 97801, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Club Cigar Saloon (here, next to this marker); Jackson Sundown (a few steps from this marker); Judd Block (within shouting distance of this marker); DeSpain Block (within shouting distance of this marker); The Peoples Warehouse (within shouting distance of this marker); State Saloon (within shouting distance of this marker); Donald C. Requa (within shouting distance of this marker); R.F. Renn Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Pendleton.
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 30, 2017
2. Chief Clarence T. Burke Statue and Marker
The marker is below the flower basket.
Photographed By Barry Swackhamer, June 30, 2017
3. Chief Clarence T. Burke Statue
Credits. This page was last revised on May 31, 2022. It was originally submitted on December 23, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California. This page has been viewed 553 times since then and 56 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 23, 2017, by Barry Swackhamer of Brentwood, California.
