Waco's Indigenous Roots: The Wi-iko Legacy

Last updated on November 22, 2024 at 12:00 PM

All photos in the article were taken by Fred Gildersleeve in 1912 when members of the Wi-iko tribe came to the Texas Cotton Palace exposition in Waco from Oklahoma. Photos courtesy of the Baylor University Texas Collection.

The City of Waco owes its name to the Wi-iko people, an indigenous tribe who once thrived in the region. Because much of their history was passed down orally, there is no definitive history of the tribe in the Waco area. However, their legacy continues to shape the City's identity.

A Flourishing Civilization

The Wi-iko, also known as the Hueco, Huaco, Weku, or other variations, were part of the Wichita Nation, which included the Tawakoni, Taovaya, and Kichai tribes. They are believed to be the same people as the Yscani, a tribe documented on the lower Canadian River in the 1700s. Based on explorer reports, by the 18th century, the Wi-iko had established a significant presence in Central Texas, particularly around the Brazos River, near the site of modern-day Waco.

The Wi-iko were skilled farmers and hunters, cultivating crops and hunting deer and buffalo. They constructed distinctive beehive-shaped homes and lived in well-organized villages. A report to Stephen F. Austin noted that around 1824 the main Wi-iko village “consisted of 33 grass houses, on about 40 acres, inhabited by about 100 men.” This village was located near present day Seventh St. and Jefferson Ave.

Disruption & Displacement

Unfortunately, the Wi-iko's peaceful existence was disrupted by various factors, reportedly including conflict with other tribes, such as the Cherokee, and the introduction of European diseases. By the 1830s, they were forced to abandon their village and relocate further up the Brazos River. By the time Fort Fisher was established in 1837 (present day Texas Ranger Hall of Fame & Museum), the Texas Rangers reported the village to be empty.

In the mid-19th century, they were removed to Indian Territory, now Oklahoma. Later in 1902, the tribe was given land allotments in Oklahoma as well as U.S. citizenship.

Did you know? Jacob de Cordova, founder of the City of Waco, originally proposed naming our city Lamartine. However, surveyor George Erath, who laid out the first blocks for our city in 1849, convinced De Cordova to honor the indigenous heritage of the area by calling it Waco.

Reconnecting with the Past

In 1912, 42 members of the tribe attended the Cotton Palace celebration in Waco where they camped on the grounds, dressed in tribal regalia, and performed dances. It was reportedly the last official communication between the City of Waco and Wichita Nation until a group of Waco residents visited Anadarko, OK, headquarters of the Nation, in Feb. 1984.

In 1936, a Texas historical marker was placed at the site of the local village in the area around Seventh St. and Jefferson Ave. However, the marker erroneously stated that the Comanches caused the Wi-iko to abandon their village, when in reality it may have been the Cherokee or perhaps disease, such as smallpox. In October 2014, members of the Wichita nation joined local residents and the McLennan County Historical Commission in dedicating a new marker with the correct information beneath the original marker.

Honoring the Heritage

In recent years, interest has grown in reconnecting with the indigenous origins of our city and the people who first inhabited what became Waco. In November 2023, 11 officials from the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes visited Waco and met with local officials and organizations to strengthen ties with the local community.

Despite their displacement, the Wi-iko's influence on the region remains. By acknowledging the Wi-iko's contributions to the history and culture of the region, we can foster a deeper understanding and appreciation for the indigenous peoples who first called this land home. The City of Waco is proud to honor their heritage by bearing their name.