Jefferson City Post-Tribune

30 Dec. 1932 – Price 2 cents

 

NEW 700-ACRE PARK GIVEN TO STATE BY ST. LOUISAN

 

Washington Day address By Gov. Caulfield In University City Said To Have Been Inspiration To Donor Who Prefers To Remain Unknown

 

A Washington Day address made by Governor Henry S. Caulfield at University City last February was the inspiration for the gift today of a 700-acre tract in Washington County, Missouri to the state for public park purposes. The donor is a wealthy St. Louis friend of Governor Caulfield & an enthusiastic state park supporter who desired not to reveal his identity.

 

The tract has been accepted by the State Park Board comprised of Governor Caulfield, Attorney-General Stratton Shartel, & John H. Ross, commissioner of the Missouri Game & Fish Department.  It brings the number of state parks in Missouri to eighteen, with a total of 40,869 acres.

 

This is the fourth park acquired by the state during 1932, the others being Vanmeter State Park in Saline County, Wallace State Park in Clinton County, & Big Lake State Park, Holt County.  The Vanmeter tract of 506 acres also was a gift.  Missouri ’s first gift park was the 2,400-acre Roaring River State Park in Barry County , which was presented in 1928 by Dr. T.M. Cayman of St. Louis .

 

The newest state park, to be known as Washington State Park , lies ten miles south of DeSoto in Washington County .  More than a mile of it extends along Big River , & the entire tract is covered with native Ozark timber.  There are many scenic points throughout the tract.

 

Washington State Park is little more than an hour’s drive from St. Louis & is easily accessible as State Highway No. 21, traverses much of it.