Near Marion in Waupaca County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Chief Waupaca
Photographed By Keith L, July 4, 2009
1. Chief Waupaca Marker
Inscription.
Chief Waupaca, better known as Sam Wapuka, was a friendly Potawatomi Indian who lived in this vicinity about the time the first white men arrived. Although he was friendly to the settlers, his tribesmen were bitterly opposed to the invasion of the white man. Once on a trip with several of his warriors, they stopped where the present city of Waupaca is located. His men were eager to massacre the entire small settlement and Waupaca talked long and eloquently to prevent it. He succeeded but when he remounted his pony to continue on his way, he suddenly fell dead from his horse. His companions hurriedly buried him almost where he fell. Later relatives purchased several acres of land, including this site, and brought the body here. His sons Shopodock and Hongkoot, stepson Jake and at least sixteen other relatives are buried here with him.
Chief Waupaca, better known as Sam Wapuka, was a friendly Potawatomi Indian who lived in this vicinity about the time the first white men arrived. Although he was friendly to the settlers, his tribesmen were bitterly opposed to the invasion of the white man. Once on a trip with several of his warriors, they stopped where the present city of Waupaca is located. His men were eager to massacre the entire small settlement and Waupaca talked long and eloquently to prevent it. He succeeded but when he remounted his pony to continue on his way, he suddenly fell dead from his horse. His companions hurriedly buried him almost where he fell. Later relatives purchased several acres of land, including this site, and brought the body here. His sons Shopodock and Hongkoot, stepson Jake and at least sixteen other relatives are buried here with him.
Erected 1957 by the Wisconsin Historical Society. (Marker Number 73.)
Location. 44° 36.959′ N, 88° 53.991′ W. Marker is near
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Marion, Wisconsin, in Waupaca County. Marker is at the intersection of State Highway 110 and Schoneck Road, on the left when traveling south on State Highway 110. Marker is by a small parking area. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Marion WI 54950, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Chief Waupaca
Tribe of
Potawatamis
Erected May 1926
Photographed By Keith L, July 4, 2009
5. Chief Waupaca Historical Site
Marker is at the left edge of the photo.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 30, 2019. It was originally submitted on July 8, 2009, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 2,191 times since then and 44 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on July 8, 2009, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 3. submitted on January 8, 2014, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. 4, 5. submitted on July 8, 2009, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.