George Washington Memorial Park (Jackson, Wyoming) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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George Washington Memorial Park
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 Location in Wyoming
Location in the United States
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| Location | Jackson, Wyoming |
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| Built | 1934 |
| Architect | Curtiss, Harold L. |
| NRHP reference No. | 03001250 |
| Added to NRHP | December 5, 2003 |
George Washington Memorial Park is a special place right in the middle of Jackson, Wyoming. Most people call it "Town Square." This park is famous for its cool arches made from elk antlers at each corner. These antlers are gathered from the nearby National Elk Refuge by Boy Scouts and are rebuilt every so often. The square started as an open space in the town center and became a park in 1934. In the middle of the park, there's also a stone memorial dedicated to John Colter.
The Park's Early Days
The Town Square began as an empty area in the heart of Jackson. No buildings were there yet, but it was surrounded by other parts of the town. People used this open space as a common area. Sometimes, migrating elk would even pass through it!
In 1917, the town started to improve the area. They graded the streets around it and got ownership of most of the land. They used extra dirt from the grading to fill in any low spots in the square. Later, in 1924, more improvements were made to what was then called "the little park in the center of the town." They did more grading and planted a few trees, though these trees weren't always well cared for.
Becoming a Memorial Park
In 1932, the 200th birthday of George Washington was coming up. The state of Wyoming worked with the government to create memorials all over the state. The idea was to have a George Washington Memorial Park in as many towns as possible. Jackson's Town Square was chosen to be its George Washington Memorial Park in 1932.
A group, including a famous conservationist named Olaus Murie, helped raise money for the park. They collected $150 from people in the community to landscape it. The plants were ready in 1933, but there weren't enough workers to do the job.
Jackson then got help from a government program called the New Deal Civil Works Administration (CWA). This program helped create jobs during a tough economic time. Jackson received $3092 from the CWA. This money allowed the town to move the only building on the square, the Independent Order of Odd Fellows Hall, to a different spot. In total, over $6000 from the CWA was spent on the park before the program ended in 1934.
A Center for Town Life
Soon after, the Square became a very important place for Jackson's community life. In 1939, a memorial stone for John Colter was placed in the center of the park.
A local group called the Rotary Club built the first arch of elk antlers at the park's southwest corner in 1953. More arches were added at the other corners in 1966, 1967, and 1969. These antler arches are now a famous symbol of Jackson.
In 1959, a house built by Charles Wort was moved onto the square. It became known as the "Stage Stop." This move wasn't very popular and might not have been allowed, but the building stayed there until 1995. It was then given to Wyoming Senator Alan Simpson, whose grandfather had used the building as a law office. A new building was built in its place.
It wasn't until 1976 that a plaque was put in the park for the United States Bicentennial (the 200th anniversary of the U.S.). This plaque officially named the park "George Washington Memorial Park." Stone decorations were also added to the antler arches that same year.
Images for kids
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Boulder with two hundredth anniversary plaque
