SHAWNEE FRIENDS MISSION

IN 1825 THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT BEGAN MOVING EASTERN INDIANS TO NEW LANDS WEST OF THE MISSISSIPPI. THIS SIGN IS ON A TRACT OF 2,500 SQUARE MILES ASSIGNED TO THE SHAWNEES. WITH THIS TRIBE CAME METHODIST, BAPTIST AND QUAKER MISSIONARIES. ONE MILE EAST AND A LITTLE NORTH THE QUAKERS ERECTED BUILDINGS IN 1836 AND OPENED A SCHOOL THE FOLLOWING YEAR. INDIAN STUDENTS, WHO LIVED AT THE MISSION, RECEIVED ELEMENTARY SCHOOLING, RELIGIOUS INSTRUCTION AND TRAINING IN AGRICULTURE AND DOMESTIC ARTS. HIGHEST RECORDED ENROLLMENT WAS 76. IN ITS LATE YEARS THE SCHOOL WAS ATTENDED MAINLY BY INDIAN ORPHANS. THE MISSION OPERATED ALMOST CONTINUOUSLY UNTIL 1869. A MARKER DESIGNATES THE SITE OF THE MAIN BUILDING WHICH WAS TORN DOWN IN 1917.