Chief Black Dog
As early as 1803, Chief Black Dog and his band of Osage Indians made a trail through Coffeyville. Chief Black Dog was seven feet tall, weighed over 300 lbs. and was blind in his left eye. During the Civil War, many Osage camped in the Verdigris Valley area, west of the River. They had to cross the river to trade with white men. Colonel James A. Coffey set up a trading post on the west side of the river. The Indians decided it was easier not to have to cross the River to trade with the white men and soon the trading center became a thriving town. Coffeyville is named for Colonel Coffey and was established in 1869, eight years after the State of Kansas joined the Union. Coffey's daughter, Mary, set up the first school in her mother's kitchen.Don hid his son Tim's name in this mural one time. To see Tim's name, roll mouse over mural image. |
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