New Chickasaw Quarter Laden With History by Peter Rexford on Creators.com

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New Chickasaw Quarter Laden With History

How many times do visitors go to a State or National Park and, instead of simply noticing what amenities are available today, consider the years or even the centuries people and animals have been coming there for so many reasons? Not often I'd wager. It's easier to just know where the concession stand, restrooms and swimming area might be.

One of the things the new "America the Beautiful" National Park Quarter series offers is a glimpse into a select feature many of our parks offer. Of course, it's a small quarter, so a glimpse is all that is possible. One has to actually venture out and visit the parks to discover all that's there.

I thought of that when the latest quarter featuring the Chickasaw National Recreation Area was released in November. Chickasaw doesn't have the national pedigree or profile of the Grand Canyon, Yellowstone or Glacier Parks. It's is a modest little area in southern Oklahoma. At one time, it was the smallest National Park in the U.S. Long prior to the U.S. purchasing the Chickasaw region, for hundreds of years it was a recreational area and retreat for American Indians.

What the small area lacks in size it makes up for as an oasis-like refuge in an area of the country that's known for being hot, sticky, arid and uncomfortable. Chickasaw has a long history dating much further than humans could ever recall. Along with the lush natural beauty are cool freshwater springs and rich mineral springs. Historic evidence makes it clear that wildlife utilized the area thousands of years before humans ever set foot in the area. Happily, because of conservation, many species continue to do so.

Fast forward to the turn of the first part of the 1900s. The park was established in 1902 when the land was purchased to protect the freshwater and mineral springs. The public was invited to visit and come they did by horse, train and car. By the way, those good with dates will realize that the park was established before Oklahoma became a state. The latter happened in 1907.

Once the Great Depression hit in the early 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps — the wildly successful precursor to today's stimulus package — workers came and built fantastic pavilions, buildings, campgrounds and picnic areas along with a network of trails connecting all areas of the park.

That portion of the park's history is still clearly evident. The skilled work of the CCC laborers was so solid most of it still stands strong to this day. Records show that between 1933 and 1940 some 200 workers were employed at Chickasaw at any given time.

Those who wander the area's trails quietly enjoy more evidence of the worker's dedication. The lush and abundant foliage in the park and along the trails is thanks to the half million trees CCC laborers planted. This year, the most mature of those trees will be celebrating their 75th birthday. The good news is, in horticultural years, many of those trees are still "youngsters."

The image on the new coin features an engraving of the "Lincoln Bridge." It was built in 1909 to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Abe Lincoln — the same year the Lincoln penny was produced to honor the same centennial. The bridge is still a prominent feature in the park as are the pennies that load up our pockets and purses. Surrounding the image of the bridge — on the quarter — are lush stands of trees and a flock of ducks taking off from the river below.

The new Chickasaw quarters will soon be available in pocket change and cash registers. That's the most economical way to collect considering you get the quarter at face value.

Collectors seeking pristine examples can now order a three-coin set containing uncirculated versions from the Denver and Philadelphia Mints along with a highly polished proof quarter struck at the San Francisco Mint. The three coins come mounted onto a plastic card that also contains a brief bit of information about the park. For more information about the three-coin set and other collectible formats log onto the Mint's secure website at: USMint.gov/catalog or phone toll free: 1-800-USA-MINT (872-6468.)

Editor's Note: A JPEG visual of the new Chickasaw National Recreation Area quarter has been sent with this column.

To find out more about Peter Rexford and features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate Web page at www.creators.com.