The Nebraska legislature in 1869 passed the act providing that eighty acres of land belonging to the state of Nebraska, not more than three miles distant from the state capitol building, should be selected by a board of trustees and approved by the governor as a state cemetery. The act does not name the cemetery. The name was given after the site had been located and the tradition associated with the name is that it was "Indian" for resting place. This is approximately correct.
Lincoln and Wyuka Cemetery are located in what was Otoe territory. The Otoe language is a dialect of the Dakota or Sioux language. The Omaha and Ponca languages are likewise dialects of the Dakota. The conversion of the Otoe word "wong-kah" into Wyuka is easily understood. Very commonly Indian words are mispronounced, due to the fact that the white man's ear does not correctly catch the exact pronunciation of the Indian tongue.
There yet remains to be determined who of the early pioneers of Lincoln found and bestowed the name Wyuka on the state cemetery.
From Nebraska History and Record of Pioneer Days, 1921
This cemetery is amazing and one could easily spend hours walking through the shady, rolling grounds. There is a rich history among the headstones and crypts. History, poetry, remembrance and love are written in the epitaphs and memorial monuments. Thanks, Hayley, for taking this brief walking tour with me. 🤗
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I love the rich mix of beautiful photos and interesting history, Cheryl. Thanks for joining us and sharing this lovely post.
ReplyDeleteThanks Dan. Happy Weekend! See you at the bar!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful pictures! I have always considered churches and cemeteries place of peace and reflection. I used to love to walk through an old cemetery nearby.
ReplyDeleteI love them although I have no desire to be buried. Go figure. 🤷♀️
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