Toppenish in Yakima County, Washington — The American West (Northwest)

Indian Horse Races

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 14, 2015

1. Indian Horse Races Marker

Inscription.
Charlie Newell’s knowledge of the Indian language and his wide acquaintance with the Yakama Indians enabled him to avert a crisis in which a massacre seemed imminent. The Indian Agency had forbidden the racing of horses and gambling at their meets. At Newell’s suggestion, the Yakamas drafted a request to Washington, D.C. to rescind the order, which was granted. So, the exciting Indian horse races continued and harmony was restored.
by Ken Carter

Erected by Toppenish Mural Society. (Marker Number 55.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Native Americans • Notable Events • Sports.

Location. 46° 22.575′ N, 120° 18.622′ W. Marker is in Toppenish, Washington, in Yakima County. Marker can be reached from South Toppenish Avenue south of South Division Street, on the left when traveling north. Marker is a framed, painted metal plaque, mounted at eye-level in the middle of the southwest side of the building at this address. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3 South Toppenish Avenue, Toppenish WA 98948, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Lou Shattuck (a few steps from this marker); The Old Blacksmith Shop (a few steps from this marker);

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Newell's Drive (a few steps from this marker); At the Peak of the Harvest (within shouting distance of this marker); "Clearing the Land" (within shouting distance of this marker); When Hops Were Picked by Hand (within shouting distance of this marker); Indians Winter Encampment (within shouting distance of this marker); Crossroads to Market (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Toppenish.

More about this marker. The front half of the southwest wall of the building at this address is covered by a giant mural of the Indian horse races, as described by this marker.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Historical Murals of Toppenish, Washington

Also see . . . Charley Newell In The Klickitat County Agriculturist, Goldendale, WA. Charley Newell's Address to Angry Indians:
One night while camping near the old race track which lies about ten miles this side of Fort Simcoe, he heard loud talking in the old "Long House" a little way from there. He learned that they were planning an attack on the Indian Agency at Fort

Indian Horse Races Mural (<i>wide view; marker visible at far left</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, July 14, 2015

2. Indian Horse Races Mural (wide view; marker visible at far left)

Simcoe. He entered the building, sat down near the chief and listened awhile. It seemed that the agency had issued orders forbidding the racing of horses on the track and gambling. Horse racing and gambling had been a time honored privilege and pleasure at their meets and they resented the enforcement of this rule. They had initiated a plan of annihilating the whole personnel of the agency. Mr. Newell took his time, and finally asked for the privilege to speak: "My friends, I know what you are planning to do. You are strong enough and no one can prevent it. But after you have done it, the white man will come. They will come from Yakima. They will come from Seattle. They will come from Portland. They will come from all over. They will outnumber you. You will be hunted down and your women and children will be killed. Let me tell you my idea. Try this first and if it doesn't work then go back to your plan. Write a letter to Washington telling the secretary that you have always had the privilege of gambling and racing on the track; that it has long been your pastime and pleasure, and that you do not like to give it up. Tell him all this and ask him not to enforce the order.” (Submitted on February 9, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

Credits. This page was last revised on April 24, 2021. It was originally submitted on February 8, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 217 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 9, 2019, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.