Ho-Chunk Living Site at Waucoma
A group of Ho-Chunk lived along the Little Turkey River on the south edge of the town. The daughter of the clan chief, Whirling Thunder, was named Waucoma. She may have married Chief Winneshiek and lived with his clan on the Root River in Southern Minnesota. The town of Waucoma is her namesake.
The lives of the Ho-Chunk and their family members were full of struggle, uncertainty, and continued movement. If tribal members passed away, it was common to place them to rest close to the homes. It is likely there are Ho-Chunk burials nearby. Artifacts have been found in this area of the Turkey River.
Little Turkey River on south end of Waucoma, 2025.
Little Turkey River at Waucoma in winter.
