ARIZONA STATE PARKS: For Immediate Release
Managing and conserving Arizona’s natural, cultural and recreational resources for the benefit of the people, both in our Parks and through our Partners. FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT: Ellen Bilbrey at (602) 542-1996 or (602) 228-8518. Contact by Email: pio(at)azstateparks.gov
(Phoenix, AZ - October 23, 2008) - Celebrate Veteran's Day at McFarland State Historic Park on Saturday, November 8 and Sunday, November 9, 2008.
Park activities will include a Veterans Day Celebration representing time periods from 1775 to present including World War II. There will also be historic and antique vehicles on display.
McFarland Courthouse and museum provides visitors with a window into the past. The 1878 Territorial Courthouse represents a transition between Sonoran and Anglo-American architecture with a wood-shingled pitched roof surmounting traditional adobe brick walls. In 1963, the Pinal County Historical Society acquired and maintained the building as a museum. Today, the buildings and house exhibits depicting the history of the area include the Ernest McFarland Archives and World War II POW Camp.
The adobe brick building, now McFarland State Historic Park, served many roles during the late 1800s and early 1900s, most notably as a jail house and a hospital.
"Mac" McFarland
Ernest W. McFarland, or "Mac", contributed to Arizona history through an active public service career and many lasting projects. He is the only known American to have served his state in the highest branches of government (U.S. Senator of which he served as majority leader, Governor, and Arizona Supreme Court Justice). The decades in which "Mac" served the government also witnessed unprecedented growth in Arizona and the Southwest. McFarland was in the forefront during a crucial time, assisting in the modernization of Arizona, the region and the country.
"Mac" McFarland was commonly referred to as the "Father of the G.I. Bill" because he wrote the home and business loan sections. Other major contributions include working on the Central Arizona Project and founding the Arizona State Parks system in 1957.
For more information about Veteran's Day at McFarland State Historic Park call the park at (520) 868-5216. The regular park entrance fee will be waived for this event. McFarland State Historic Park is located in downtown Florence at Main and Ruggles. Arizona State Parks offers a free Annual Pass to disabled veterans living in Arizona for those qualified at 100% disability.
For information about Arizona State Parks call (602) 542-4174 (outside of the Phoenix metro area call toll-free (800) 285-3703) or visit the website at www.azstateparks.com.
-end-
Learn more about McFarland State Historic Park
link to this page:
http://azstateparks.com/press/2008/PR_10-24-08.html
[Skip] Home Find a Park Arizona Map Fee Schedule
PDF Documents Require Adobe Reader
Read External Link Disclaimer