Hope Kiwanis Hears Historic Washington State Park Program from Rachel Coble

The Hope Kiwanis Club recently heard from Rachel Coble, Chief Interpreter for Historic Washington State Park.  She gave an overview of the park and history of the Southwest Trail.  Part of that overview pointed out that Washington was practically the town in the United States before entering Mexico (in those days, the border was only about 15 miles from Washington).  Coble noted the town and surrounding area in the 1850’s had around 2,000 people but next hit that population after the Civil War.  In the mid 20th century the Historic Washington Restoration Foundation started saving some of the structures and town became a state park in 1973.  Coble said the park and the restoration foundation work hand in hand to this day.

Coble said the preservation and restoration side and the “telling of stories”, interpretation are two of the most important missions of the park

The park is open 7 days a week 8am to 5p excluding a few holidays.  Coble noted tours are available as well as surrey rides and tours of the Blacksmith Shop.  In addition to these regular events, she noted they have special events and workshops almost every weekend.  Some of these events include forging at the blacksmith shop, Dutch Oven workshops, candle-making, weaving, even “harness and driving” for those who would like to learn to drive a horse and carriage.  There are even some gardening workshops throughout the year.

The Jonquil Festival is coming up March 15th and 16th at Washington.  That’s one of the biggest special events of the year.  Washington also has activities for the eclipse in April.  The James Black Bowie Festival is coming up and the park also has Frontier Days, Civil War Weekend, and Christmas and Candlelight.  Coble says always there is emphasis on interpreting 19th century.  She also told the club the park is always looking for volunteers.

For information on activities at the park, phone 870-983-2684 or visit historicwashingtonstatepark.com.