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 mountains of central California. It's located in Madera County, a beautiful area with rolling hills. This park helps protect an important building called the Wassama Round House.
A Special Meeting Place
The Wassama Round House is a very important building for local Native Americans. They use it as a special place for ceremonies and meetings. It's a place where people gather to share their culture and traditions.
Every year, on the third Saturday of October, the park hosts a "Gathering Day." During this event, visitors can watch amazing demonstrations. These often include traditional dancing, crafting, and basket weaving. It's a great way to learn about Native American culture.
History of the Round House
The Wassama Round House you see today was rebuilt in 1985. It stands in the exact spot where four older roundhouses once stood. The first roundhouses were built even before the 1860s.
For many Native Californians, these roundhouses were the heart of their spiritual and ceremonial life. They were central to their community and beliefs. In 1903, the third roundhouse was built. It even used parts of the main center pole from the two earlier houses. This shows how important these buildings were over time. The Wassama Round House is so important that it is recognized as California Historical Landmark #1001.
How to Visit
Wassama Round House State Historic Park is easy to find. It's located just off California State Route 49. You'll find it about five miles northwest of a town called Oakhurst, California. The park often has special events and guided tours. These are great opportunities to 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. The governor at the time, Arnold Schwarzenegger, suggested closing 48 parks to save money. Luckily, the Wassama Round House State Historic Park was not closed. It remains open for everyone to visit and enjoy its rich history.
