From an original painting by Charles Goslin - 1996

Na-Nex-Se
Wife of Chief Black Hoof

In 1869, The City of Lenexa, Kansas took its name from the Shawnee Indian Woman, Na Nex Se. Na Nex Se was the wife of Chief Balck Hoof. After Balck Hoof's death, she continued to farm their 18 acres of cultivated farm land, Papers from 1866, held by the Kansas State Historical Society, show that she harvested 500 bunches of corn, 200 bunches of oats and 100 bunches of potatoes. She also raised cattle and pigs.

When honoring Na Nex Se by naming the town for her, Lenexa leaders saw her as a hardworking, strong, dignified, mature woman who was pround of her American Indian heritage and who had been a good example to the community.

The Statue of Na Nex Se in Lenexa hoped that she will continue to inspire as she did so many years ago.