Yellow Thunder Master Plan

Yellow Thunder Memorial Master Plan

The Yellow Thunder Memorial is a 0.51 acre property dedicated to the life and achievements of Ho-Chunk Chief Wakąjazi, or Yellow Thunder. Chief Wakąjazi’s perseverance for his people and culture, along with his partner Washington Woman, is commemorated along County Rd A in the Town of Fairfield between Wisconsin Dells and Baraboo. The land on which the memorial currently sits was donated by a local farmer in 1963 and is near the 40 acre parcel that Wakąjazi purchased in 1849 as a refuge for himself and other tribal members.

The Sauk County Historical Society has owned the memorial since its dedication in 1909 when the monument was constructed to protect the remains of Wakąjazi and Washington Woman. Over the last 50+ years, the Society has partnered with Sauk County to manage the property as part of the County Park System. The Historical Society as the owners of the property, are responsible for the preservation of the site for its significance as a historic burial site. As the site is privately owned by the Society, the Historical Society has the authority for its use, maintenance, and enhancement. Sauk County maintains the property as part of the County Park System for the enjoyment of local citizens and visitors.

The Sauk County Historical Society with the assistance of the Sauk County Land Resources and Environment Department has created the following master plan for the Yellow Thunder Memorial for the future management, preservation, enhancement, and expansion of services available at this historically and culturally significant landmark. The master planning process was designed with the following objectives: cultural heritage and education, management techniques, monument preservation and fiscal responsibilities. The plan strategizes maintenance and property improvements over the next 20 years to be implemented through the partnership between the Sauk County Historical Society and Sauk County Land Resources and Environment Department, and with consultation from the Ho-Chunk Nation.