Wassama Round House State Historic Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wassama Round House State Historic Park |
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Wassama Round House
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 Wassama Round House State Historic Park
Location in California
Wassama Round House State Historic Park
Location in the United States
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| Location | Madera County, California |
| Nearest city | Ahwahnee |
| Governing body | State of California |
| Official name: Wassama Roundhouse | |
| Reference #: | 1001 |
The Wassama Round House State Historic Park is a special place in the Sierra Nevada foothills. It is located in Madera County, in the central part of California. This park protects an important cultural site for local Native American communities.
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A Special Meeting Place
The Wassama Round House is a very important building. Local Native Americans use it as a ceremonial meeting place. This means it's where they hold important traditional events and gatherings.
Gathering Day Celebrations
One of the main events at the park is "Gathering Day." This celebration happens every year on the third Saturday of October. Visitors can watch exciting demonstrations of traditional dancing. They can also see how Native Americans create beautiful crafts and weave baskets. It's a great way to learn about their culture.
History of the Roundhouse
The current Wassama Roundhouse was rebuilt in 1985. It stands on the exact spot where four earlier roundhouses once stood. These original roundhouses were built before the 1860s. They were the center of spiritual and ceremonial life for many Native Californians.
In 1903, the third roundhouse was constructed. It even used parts of the main center pole from the two older houses. This shows how important it was to keep the traditions alive. The Wassama Roundhouse is so important that it is recognized as California Historical Landmark #1001.
Visiting the Park
Wassama Round House State Historic Park is easy to find. It is located just off California State Route 49. You can find it about five miles northwest of the town of Oakhurst, California. The park often hosts special events and offers tours. These tours help visitors learn more about the history and culture of the area.
Keeping the Park Open
In January 2008, there was a plan to close many California state parks. This was part of a program to save money for the state government. The Wassama Round House State Historic Park was on that list. However, thanks to efforts to protect it, the park remained open. It continues to welcome visitors and host important cultural events today.
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