|
6.
The Texas Vietnam Veterans Memorial
|
|
To
the right of the Founders
Statue lies the Texas Vietnam Veterans Memorial. The grounds
it currently stands on originally served as the location of the
fair's Implement Building. Erected in 1887 as one of the first structures
built for the annual event, it was also called the Gin Building.
Workers remodeled the structure in 1902 but replaced it four years
later with a sunken garden. A miniature golf course called The Fair-Way,
operated by a man named Charlie Maxwell, took its place during 1930.
What happened after the course closed remains a mystery.
|
The
Texas Vietnam Veterans Memorial
Photo courtesy Andreas Praefcke* |
The
memorial is a permanent part of Fair Park and first opened in 1989.
Dedicated by former President George H. Bush, the monument pays tribute
to the 3,415 Texans who died during the Vietnam war. Their names are
all carved on four large slabs of pink granite standing next to a
small pool. In a separate area nearby, another granite slab honors
those who are still missing in action. Periodically, people will place
American flag stickers next to the names of their loved ones or put
a bouquet of flowers at the side of one of the blocks.
*Author's
Note:
All the pictures that are not mine are either public domain or creative
commons. I provided the photographer's name. |
References:
1.Bigtex.com
2.Dallashistory.org
3.Dallas Morning News Archives
4.Fairpark.org
5.Slate, John H. Historic Dallas Parks. Arcadia Publishing, 2010.
6.Tshaonline.org
7.Watermelon-kid.com
8.Wikipedia.org
8.Winters, Willis Cecil. Fair Park. Arcadia Publishing, 2010. |
|
|
| Texas
Escapes, in its purpose to preserve historic, endangered and vanishing
Texas, asks that anyone wishing to share their local history, stories,
landmarks and vintage or recent photos, please contact
us. |
|
|
HOME
