Friday, Jun 23, 2006
The Old Settlers’ Picnic, the first of five centennial events, was a great success, with nearly 1,000 people attending.
Participants came from as far away as Alaska, but the majority were local residents recreating an event that took place from 1932 until the mid-1960s. Antique cars and historic memorabilia were displayed throughout the day. Local residents and dignitaries, including Wyoming state representative Mark Semlek, spoke. George Bock, a monument ranger in 1951 and 1952, shared his stories.
Devils Tower National Monument was proclaimed America’s first national monument by Theodore Roosevelt on September 24, 1906, in his first use of the Antiquities Act. Monument staff, in partnership with the Devils Tower Centennial Committee, planned five events to celebrate the centennial. Each event recognizes a group important in the Tower’s history. Four events remain:
The Fourth of July Celebration (July 4th): On July 4, 1893 two local ranchers were the first to climb Devils Tower. Today, climbing continues to be a popular activity. This special event includes programs on climbing history, a beginners’ climbing area for people who want to give climbing a try, and the formation of a human American Flag near prairie dog town. The day will conclude with a large fireworks display at the Devils Tower KOA Campground.
The Cowboy Festival (July 22nd - 23rd): Devils Tower is in the heart of ranching country. In the 1890s, ranchers and loggers established the nearby communities of Hulett, Moorcroft, and Sundance. The surrounding ranch lands have maintained Devils Tower’s rural character today. Skills from the old west such as leather tooling, spinning, soap making, and felting will be demonstrated at the Cowboy Festival. All activities will take place just outside the monument entrance.
American Indian Heritage Weekend (August 25th - 27th): American Indian people have long considered the tower a sacred place. The connection to the tower continues today. This special event highlights the tower’s cultural importance to over 20 northern plains Indian tribes. The landscape will be dressed with teepees. Demonstrations of traditional crafts such as pipe making, flute carving, basket weaving and bead working will take place. Dancers and musicians will share their culture through performances.
Commemoration Weekend (September 22nd - 24th): On September 24, 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt named Devils Tower our country’s first national monument. Join us as we celebrate our 100th birthday! Friday evening and Saturday afternoon a President Roosevelt enactor will visit the tower, recounting boyhood experiences that solidified his love for the land and explaining his conservation philosophy. On Saturday, the park will also celebrate a “Century of Conservation” with presentations and displays about the natural and cultural resources unique to Devils Tower National Monument. On Sunday, keynote speaker Theodore Roosevelt IV and other dignitaries will speak. The celebration will end with birthday cake.
We invite individuals and families to come for the history and stay for the fun. In addition, during each event a special U.S. mail cancellation stamp will be available. Entrance fees into the monument will not be charged during centennial events.
For more information and schedules of events, please call 307-467-5283 or visit www.nps.gov/deto.
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