Coronado Heights facts for kids
Coronado Heights is a special hill located northwest of Lindsborg, Kansas, in the United States. Many people believe this hill is close to where the famous explorer Francisco Vázquez de Coronado decided to end his search for the legendary "seven cities of gold." He then turned back towards Mexico. Coronado Heights is part of a group of seven sandstone bluffs. These bluffs are made from a rock layer called the Dakota Formation. The hill rises about 300 feet (about 91 meters) from the ground around it.
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Exploring Coronado Heights Park
Coronado Heights is now known as Coronado Heights Park. It is a popular spot for visitors. The Smoky Valley Historical Association owns and takes care of the park. From the top of the hill, you can see for many miles across the landscape.
What Can You See at the Park?
The park is a great place to enjoy nature. In the spring and summer, many colorful wildflowers bloom all over the hill. If you visit in the summer, you might also spot many small lizards called prairie racerunners scurrying around the castle-like shelter.
The History of Coronado Heights
Coronado Heights has an interesting past, especially how it got its name and what was built there.
How the Hill Got Its Name
In 1915, a professor from Bethany College in Lindsborg made an exciting discovery. He found pieces of chain mail from Spanish armor at an old Native American village site. This site, called the Sharps Creek site, was just a few miles southwest of the hill. Another professor from Bethany College then suggested naming the hill "Coronado Heights." This name honored Francisco Vásquez de Coronado, who explored this area long ago.
Building Roads and Structures
Over the years, people worked to make the hill more accessible.
- In 1920, the first road was built leading up the hill. It was named Swensson Drive. A walking path, known as Olsson Trail, was also created.
- In 1936, a unique stone shelter was constructed on top of the hill. This building looks a lot like a small castle. It was built as part of a government program called the Works Progress Administration (WPA). The WPA helped create jobs during a difficult time in history.
- In 1988, a sculpture by artist John Whitfield was placed halfway up the hill. It has a special message carved into it: "Coronado Heights 'A Place to Share'."
Images for kids
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The castle-like shelter at Coronado Heights
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