Tonawanda in Erie County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Welcome to Veterans Memorial Park
City of Tonawanda
Photographed by Bradley Owen, April 20, 2025
1. Welcome to Veterans Memorial Park Marker
Originally nothing more than a vacant plot of land along the outskirts of the newly inhabited City of Tonawanda, the area known as "Tonawanda Park," became a common social meeting ground for city residents. Soon after, the park was renamed, "Two Mile Creek Park." As Tonawanda grew, the park gained popularity as a natural picnic gathering spot.
In the late 1930's President Franklin D. Roosevelt ordered the formation of the Works Projects Administration. It's aim was to put Americans to work by employing millions to carry out public works projects. One of these projects was to construct permanent shelters in Two Mile Creek Park. Beginning with shelters 1 and 2, the WPA expanded its work to building shelters 3, 4 and 5, as well as the restrooms and what would become the Underwater Squad Building. All of the shelters, including shelter 6 have been reconstructed by the City of Tonawanda. On June 14, 1950 the American Legion, Post 264, dedicated the park to the American War Veterans. The park's new name was "Veterans Memorial Park." Today the park thrives as a prime outdoor location for ceremonies, parties, and other recreational activities.
Erected by The City of Tonawanda, NY.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic
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Location. 43° 0.587′ N, 78° 54.259′ W. Marker is in Tonawanda, New York, in Erie County. It is on Veterans Road south of Niagara Street (New York State Route 266), on the right when traveling south. Marker is located in Veterans Memorial Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 744 Niagara Street, Tonawanda NY 14150, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Upstate New York, specifically in Western New York, and in the Buffalo Metropolitan Area. It is also in the American Northeast, on the Great Lakes, and in the Mid-Atlantic. Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region, North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France, the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, New Netherland, and one of the original Thirteen Colonies.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: A Tribute To All Who Served (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Remembering Vietnam Monument (about 300 feet away); Veterans Park (about 400 feet away); Westward to Buffalo (about 700 feet away); The Brewery (approx. 0.4 miles away); Engineering the Erie Canal (approx. half a mile away); Grand Island Ferry (approx. half a mile away); Erie Canal Site (approx. Ύ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tonawanda.
Regarding Welcome to Veterans Memorial Park. The remainder of
Photographed by Bradley Owen, April 20, 2025
2. Welcome to Veterans Memorial Park Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on April 22, 2025. It was originally submitted on April 22, 2025, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. This page has been viewed 134 times since then and 14 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 22, 2025, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia.
