A Small Community Stays Afloat:
Ozawkie, Jefferson County, Kansas

Originally named "Osawkee" it is believed that this Indian Village was named in honor of the Chief of the Sak (Sauk) tribe. Perhaps, you have been told that the name means, "People of the Yellow Earth", where "Wa-sae', meaning yellow, plus 'ah-Kee meaning earth". However, contradicting statements argue that the name actually means, "People of the Outlet", in reference of the Sauk Tribe's Saginaw Bay, Michigan origin.

Pamela Milleret

The Chapman Center For Rural Studies

Fall 3011

The Chapman Center For Rural Studies

Kansas State University, Department of History

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