Wilkes-Barre in Luzerne County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

Public Square Park

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., May 2, 2018

1. Public Square Park Marker

Inscription.

Historically the interior of Public Square, or as it was known originally the "Town Plot," has served a variety of needs. Laid out in 1733 by Col. John Durkee, it has been the setting for a market house, a fireproof storage building for records, a boys academy, the Ship Zion Church and a succession of three court houses. The last court house on Public Square was razed in 1910, at which time a fountain with the statue of the Indian maiden "Kankakee" was placed in the center, making the entire interior of Public Square a park. While the park plan remained unchanged from 1910-1977, the fountain was removed in 1934.
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On June 23, 1972 Hurricane Agnes caused the Susquehanna River to flood its banks. The resulting damage in property loss and human suffering to Wilkes-Barre and its Wyoming Valley neighbors was incalculable. Financial aid from federal, state and local governments became available for use in a comprehensive program which planned, financed and implemented renewal efforts.
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The reconstruction of Public Square Park was accomplished as part of the "Wilkes-Barre Downtown Urban Renewal Program." It is dedicated to the Citizens of Wilkes-Barre and the Wyoming Valley in the hope it will be enjoyed by all.

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This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Man-Made Features • Parks & Recreational Areas • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1733.

Location. 41° 14.77′ N, 75° 52.922′ W. Marker is in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania, in Luzerne County. It can be reached from Public Square. Marker is near the NW corner of the Public Square, in downtown. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Wilkes Barre PA 18701, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Pennsylvania’s Anthracite Coal Region

and in the Wyoming Valley.

It is also in the American Northeast,

in the Mid-Atlantic,

in Appalachia,

and specifically in Northern Appalachia. Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy

and also one of the original Thirteen Colonies.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Birthplace of HBO (here, next to this marker); America's First Jazz Festival (here,

Public Square Park Officials Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., May 2, 2018

2. Public Square Park Officials Marker

Not transcribed

next to this marker); Birthplace of the AIME (here, next to this marker); The Fine Arts Fiesta (here, next to this marker); AIME (here, next to this marker); Fort Wilkes Barre 1778 (here, next to this marker); Wilkes-Barre Fort (within shouting distance of this marker); Old Ship Zion Church Bell (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Wilkes-Barre.

Also see . . . Wilkes-Barre City & Neighborhood Parks. (Submitted on May 4, 2018, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.)

Public Square Park Markers image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., May 2, 2018

3. Public Square Park Markers

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., May 2, 2018

4. Public Square Park Markers

View of Public Square Park image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., May 2, 2018

5. View of Public Square Park

<i>Fountain, Public Square Park, looking East, Market Street, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.</i> image. Click for full size.

circa 1920

6. Fountain, Public Square Park, looking East, Market Street, Wilkes-Barre, Pa.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 16, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 4, 2018, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 571 times since then and 33 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on May 4, 2018, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. 6. submitted on May 5, 2018.