Henry Roe Cloud Indian School

The Henry Roe Cloud Indian School, originally named the Roe Indian Institute and later the American Indian Institute, holds a significant place in Wichita's history and the broader story of Native American education. Founded by Reverend Henry Roe Cloud, a Ho-Chunk Native and Presbyterian minister, it became one of the first college preparatory schools for Native American boys in the US.

Established in 1915, the school aimed to bridge the gap in educational opportunities available to Native Americans. Unlike government-run schools which primarily offered vocational training, the Roe Indian Institute prioritized academic rigor and cultural preservation. As a graduate of Yale University, Cloud believed education was crucial for Native Americans to navigate and succeed in white society while retaining their cultural heritage.

Many graduates went on to become prominent figures in their communities, including leaders in tribal affairs and advocates for Native American rights. The school closed its doors in 1935, and the property remained vacant until its demolition in the 1990s. The Phi Delta Theta fraternity house now occupies this site.