Near Wyocena in Columbia County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Wyona Park / Rifle Pit Legend
Photographed By K. Linzmeier, October 2, 2010
1. Wyona Park Marker
[north side]
Inscription.
Wyona Park, also, Rifle Pit Legend. .
Wyona Park. This site has traditionally been a popular picnic area for Wyocena residents. As early as 1905, approximately 1,000 people attended an insurance company picnic at this location. In 1948, Gordon Spear, a lifetime Wyocena resident, sold the grounds to Columbia County and requested that the area be named a county park. In 1971, his dream was realized when the park was completed, dedicated and named Wyona Park. The Spear-Allen Shelter House honors pioneer families instrumental in the creation of this park.
Erected 2000.
Rifle Pit Legend. According to local legend, a battle took place at this site between Native Americans and the Army. Several shallow pits, within a circle 50 feet in diameter, were identified by early residents. A military buckle and buttons as well as human bones were also reportedly found. However, it is more likely that the pits were made by looters digging out Native American burial mounds that once existed in this park. There were no military engagements with Indians recorded in Columbia County.
Erected 2000.
Wyona Park
This site has traditionally been a popular picnic area for Wyocena residents. As early as 1905, approximately 1,000 people attended an insurance company picnic at this location. In 1948, Gordon Spear, a lifetime Wyocena resident, sold the grounds to Columbia County and requested that the area be named a county park. In 1971, his dream was realized when the park was completed, dedicated and named Wyona Park. The Spear-Allen Shelter House honors pioneer families instrumental in the creation of this park.
Erected 2000
Rifle Pit Legend
According to local legend, a battle took place at this site between Native Americans and the Army. Several shallow pits, within a circle 50 feet in diameter, were identified by early residents. A military buckle and buttons as well as human bones were also reportedly found. However, it is more likely that the pits were made by looters digging out Native American burial mounds that once existed in this park. There were no military engagements with Indians recorded in Columbia County.
Erected 2000
Erected 2000 by the Wisconsin Historical Society. (Marker Number 550.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in
Location. 43° 29.929′ N, 89° 17.561′ W. Marker is near Wyocena, Wisconsin, in Columbia County. Marker can be reached from County Road GG, 0.4 miles north of County Highway G. County Road GG dead-ends at Wyona Park. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Wyocena WI 53969, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 3, 2010, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,383 times since then and 52 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on October 3, 2010, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin.
