Local History - Chief Washakie
Saturday the Fiber Guild held its meeting in Ft. Washakie, WY, and after the meeting I took a side trip to the Washakie Cemetery where I hoped to find the grave of Sacajawea. The last time I visited the cemetery was probably in the 1960s.
Unfortunately, I did not find her grave marker, but I did find that of Chief Washakie.
According to Wikipedia, Chief Washakie's prowess in battle, his efforts for peace, and his commitment to his people's welfare made him one of the most respected leaders in Native American history. In 1878 a U.S. army outpost located on the reservation was renamed Fort Washakie, which was the only U.S military outpost to be named after a Native American. Upon his death in 1900, he became the only known Native American to be given a full military funeral.
I'll return to the area another day to find the Sacajawea Cemetery and marker which I discovered is several miles south of the Washakie Cemetery
Unfortunately, I did not find her grave marker, but I did find that of Chief Washakie.
 |
| Chief Washakie source |
 |
| Chief Washakie gravesite Washakie Cemetery Ft. Washakie, WY March 2015 |
Such history all around us....
ReplyDeleteSo interesting. The old cemeteries are intriguing to explore.
ReplyDeletei love the history in old cemeteries!!
ReplyDeleteWe wandered North West of Lander one day in search of Sacajawea's grave. We only had a Wyoming Road Map to go by, we saw a sign but never found the cemetery. We drove around for quite some time. That area looked similar to our reservations...poor and unkempt. Of course we didn't stop and ask anyone for directions...we turned around and went on our way to Farson and then Big Piney. So when you get there take some photos!! :)
ReplyDeleteFascinating! I don't remember ever learning about Chief Washakie. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful story. I love Native American history. I only know the history of the Arizona tribes, the Yuma tribe mostly. I grew up among them and had many friends on the Yuma Reservation. In the early years they were not the peaceful type. This was a fascinating post! Thanks Nancy.
ReplyDeleteI know where Sacajawea's grave is located; wish I knew you were looking for it. This is a nice post. I love our local history.
ReplyDeleteVery interesting post, Nancy. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteExcellent history lesson. But I'm curious about the grave. It seems strange that the dirt is still mounded rather than settled to the height of the ground next to it. Any idea why? I too had not heard of this chief. Now, Chief Joseph of the Nez Pierce, yes, I know about him.
ReplyDelete