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Dr. Susan LaFlesche Picotte


category : Indian Heritage
Dr. Susan LaFlesche Picotte

Dr. Susan LaFlesche Picotte was born in 1865 to the last recognized chief of the Omaha tribe. Her father, Iron Eyes, encouraged his children to learn the ways of the majority white culture. Upon graduation from the Philadelphia Women's Medical College in 1889, Susan became the first female Native American medical doctor. She returned home, and from 1890 until 1894, served as the government physician on the Omaha reservation.


Upon her marriage to Henry Picotte, Susan resigned her position though she continued to care for patients. She kept a candle burning in the window at all times to guide the sick to her home. In 1905, following her husband's death, Dr. Picotte moved to Walthill and helped establish the hospital which bears her name. Dr. Picotte devoted her life to the service of her people, as doctor, leader, and advisor.


The original hospital in which Dr. Picotte practiced has been completely restored and houses The Dr. Susan LaFlesche Picotte Center, a National Historic Landmark in Walthill.



Phone: 402-846-5109

Come visit us in Bancroft, Nebraska

Attractions and Upcoming Events

The Sacred Hoop Garden

The Sacred Hoop Prayer Garden is a living symbol of the Hoop of the World from the vision of the Oglala Lakota Holy Man Black Elk, found in John G. Neihardt's, Black Elk Speaks. The Prayer Garden was designed by Neihardt. The symbolism is explained on signs along the quiet garden paths. Bancroft, NE Indian Heritage


Dr. Susan LaFlesche Picotte

Dr. Susan LaFlesche Picotte was born in 1865 to the last recognized chief of the Omaha tribe. Her father, Iron Eyes, encouraged his children to learn the ways of the majority white culture. Upon graduation from the Philadelphia Women's Medical College in 1889

Bancroft, NE Indian Heritage

John G. Neihardt - Poet Laureate - 1881-1973

Author, lecturer, and award-winning poet, John Gneisenau Neihardt, arrived in Nebraska in 1892 at the age of eleven. Settling in Bancroft from 1900 to 1920

Bancroft, NE Famous People

The Neihardt Center

The Neihardt Center has been constructed for the study and preservation of the works of John G. Neihardt. The memorial room repeats the symbolism of the Hoop of the World and chronicles Neihardt's life, works and the times in which he lived. See the study where Neihardt began his epic poem

Bancroft, NE Arts

Cuming County Historical Society

Rootsweb:::::::::::::: Cuming County was formed by a territorial act approved March 16, 1855. Boundaries were redefined February 12, 1857 and again January 10, 1862. The county was named in honor of Thomas B. Cuming, acting governor of Nebraska Territory from 1854 to 1855 and and from 1857 to 1858

Bancroft, NE Museums

Things to do Indian Heritage near Bancroft, NE

Ton won tonga Site

Located near the town of Homer, Big Village or "Ton won tonga," the principal village of the Omaha tribe, w...