21 August 2008

Hot Springs State Park: Gift of the Smoking Water

The topic in my last two blog posts is the public access to the Bighorn River. The best place to access it, of course, is Hot Springs State Park on the north side of Thermopolis. This is the town's biggest attraction.

The Big Horn Hot Spring used to be a part of the Wind River Indian Reservation, but in 1896 the Shoshone and Arapahoe Indians gave it to the United States government. Below is the bronze monument commemorating this event.


The inscription below reads: TIME WILL TELL THOUGH, OF TRUST THIS TREATY BROUGHT, OF PEACE THE PEOPLE SOUGHT, OF THE GIFT THIS WATER BROUGHT.











Gerald Anthony Shippen is a Wyoming sculptor.


Below, the plaque reads:
In Celebration of Wyoming's Centennial Year - 1990

State Parks and Historic sites play a very significant role in Wyoming's quality of life. Whether you're delving into Wyoming's colorful history or relaxing in the beautiful Wyoming outdoors, Wyoming State Parks and Historic Sites are a living legacy for present and future generations to enjoy.

Buried in this time capsule are items depicting important facets surrounding the life of this park. It is our hope that the capsule will be officially opened in the year 2090, in celebration of Wyoming's 200th year, thereby allowing a future generation greater understanding of Wyoming's historical and recreational past.

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