Chief Walkara

This Pokestop was found in the most unlikely of places. I had pulled off the interstate to take a "pitstop" at the Meadow, Utah exit. (Utah I-15, exit 185) and had to decide between two gas stations. Since I was off the freeway I brought up my Pokemon Go to see if I could rack up some distance while I explored the area. One gas station was the clear winner for restrooms, snacks, and other amenities, but at the other gas station I found this little gem!

The marker reads:
"Chief Walkara
(Chief Walker, Wakarum)
1810 ca. --January 29, 1855
Walkara, Ute Indian chieftain, was one of the principal Indian chiefs when the Mormons first entered this area in 1848. Feared from California to New Mexico, he was a remarkably sly chief, daring horse thief, savage slave trader, furious enemy, admirable friend, and unprincipled lover. He became a war chief unrivaled in his ability to lead his band with cunning, power, and fierceness.
His name refers to yellow buckskin. Nicknamed the "Hawk of the Mountains" and "Napoleon of the Desert" he was an opportunist in the changing of the west. He was more notorious than great, more bandit than chief. Without question, white and Indian alike, he was the West's greatest horse thief, stealing over 1000 horses on one raid alone. His horse stealing adventures are legendary.
The ill-fated "Walker War" began in July 1853 and lasted until May 1854. Every Mormon settlement was transformed into an armed fort. The final cost was upwards of $200,000 and many lives. Peace was concluded after a mile-long peace train under Brigham Young met the aging warrior on Chicken Creek (Levan).
Born on the banks of the Pequinarynoquint (stinking) River in Utah County, Walkara was buried in a seplechre of stone on the rugged eastern hillside above  this little community of Meadow. His grave was located up Dry Canyon, the first canyon north of Corn Creek. On the day of burial two of his squaws and some Piute  children were offered up as sacrifice. Besides his weapons, trinkets, presents, the tow squaws and two girls, a young boy was fastened alive to the pedestal beside Walkara's body. It is presumed the grave was robbed by whites in 1909. It is interesting that another famous chief and brother, Kanosh was buried just a short distance from here.

Plaque presented by Millard Jr. and Sr. High School 1973"

The Walker War was one of a series of "Indian wars" fought in Utah between 1849 and the late 1860's. These wars came about when Mormon settlers began disrupting the hunting and trading of Utah's native peoples. Several uneasy peace treaties were made during this time, but these peace-times were eventually broken by one side or another, resulting in another war. Chief Walkara was the leader of the Timpanogos Utes during the Walker War, and resented the fact that the Mormons were encroaching upon their hunting grounds, and limiting their trade, most notably the slave trade between the Timpanogos and Mexico. There was not one single event that led to the war, but rather a series of events, and each side had their own ideas as to what sparked the fighting. After the war had wound down, and a peace treaty was struck,
Chief Walkara converted to the Mormon faith and took up the name Joseph Walker. This being said, it was reported that his funeral was drastically different from those typical of church members. Walkara was entombed rather than buried, and had several sacrifices made on the day of his entombment. It is recorded that he had women, children and horses killed and entombed with him, as well as a live boy (or two.) Body counts may differ, but all accounts point to sacrificial offerings.
The peace achieved during Walkara's lifetime was short-lived, as more skirmishes broke out in years to come, eventually leading to the Blackhawk War.

For more info on the Walker War click here.
A newspaper article about Walkara can be found here.
Information on his burial is here.
Click here for info on the Black Hawk War.