Information
Landmark: UVM Morgan Horse FarmCity: Middlebury
Country: USA Vermont
Continent: North America
UVM Morgan Horse Farm, Middlebury, USA Vermont, North America
The Watertown Veterans Memorial is a public monument located in Watertown, South Dakota, USA.
Visual Characteristics
The memorial features a central granite obelisk, approximately 15 feet in height, with bronze plaques affixed to its sides. The base of the obelisk is surrounded by a paved plaza. Surrounding the plaza are several mature deciduous trees providing shade. The overall color palette is dominated by the grey of the granite, the dark bronze of the plaques, and the green of the surrounding lawn and trees.
Location & Access Logistics
The memorial is situated within Mellette Memorial Park, at the intersection of 1st Avenue SE and 4th Street SE in Watertown, South Dakota. It is approximately 1.5 miles east of the city center. Ample free parking is available within Mellette Memorial Park. Public transport options are limited; however, local bus route #3 stops within a 0.5-mile walk of the park entrance on 1st Avenue SE.
Historical & Ecological Origin
The Watertown Veterans Memorial was dedicated on November 11, 1998. It was conceived and funded by local veterans' organizations and community contributions. Its purpose is to honor all United States military veterans from the Watertown area. The site itself is part of the natural prairie landscape of eastern South Dakota, with the park developed on formerly agricultural land.
Key Highlights & Activities
Visitors can read the names and service details inscribed on the bronze plaques. The memorial grounds are suitable for quiet reflection. The adjacent park offers walking paths and open green space.
Infrastructure & Amenities
Restrooms are available within Mellette Memorial Park, approximately 100 yards from the memorial. Shade is provided by the surrounding trees. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally strong in this area. No food vendors are located directly at the memorial, but several commercial establishments are situated within a 1-mile radius along 1st Avenue SE.
Best Time to Visit
For optimal lighting on the bronze plaques, early morning or late afternoon is recommended. The months of May through October offer the most pleasant weather conditions for outdoor visits. No tide considerations apply.
Facts & Legends
A specific detail often overlooked is that the granite for the obelisk was sourced from a quarry in Milbank, South Dakota, approximately 40 miles north of Watertown, emphasizing a local connection in its construction.
Nearby Landmarks
- Mellette Memorial Park (0km, immediate vicinity)
- Codington County Historical Society Museum (1.2km West)
- Redlin Art Center (2.5km Southwest)
- Babcock Park (1.8km Northwest)