ROCK SPRINGS – The Chinese Massacre Monument has taken a step forward as officials have found the rock they would like to use for the project.
The monument was taken on as a board project by the Rock Springs Historical Museum Board. After working through the options, they decided to find a rock and place a bronze plaque with the names of the 28 people killed in the massacre on it. Museum Coordinator Bob Nelson reported he received a call from Rock Springs Parks Supervisor Mark Lyon, who said he believed he had found a rock that would be perfect for the project.
Nelson said they went and looked at the rock, and he also believed it would be exactly what they needed for the monument. Board member Debbie Gibbs said she thought having a natural rock from the area was perfect for the monument. The monument will be close to the historic Lincoln Highway sign which was a museum board project several years ago.
The monument will be placed were Pilot Butte and Bridger Avenue meet. It is also where two sidewalks meet. Nelson said the position of the monument will meet the Wyoming Department of Transportation setback requirements. He said Lyon and his staff will move the rock while Lyon will also do the paperwork for WYDOT.
Nelson said he would contact the same company that did the coal sign and the historic walking tour signs to get a price for the plaque. When they place the plaque on the rock, it will face towards historic Chinatown. Nelson said the bottom of the plaque will read: “Erected by the 2013 Rock Springs Historical Museum Board.”
With the front of the monument designed, the question turned to what to do on the back of the rock. The answer came from Lyon. Nelson said Lyon had the idea of putting a one-word Chinese character on the back in a sculpture-type look. Nelson said it was recommended to them to use stainless steel for the character. Board member Liz Stranigan said that would bring attention to it.
Nelson said Lyon will move the rock and then, as a board, they can take a trip down to look at it and see if they like it.
“I’m just embarrassed something hasn’t been done sooner,” Nelson said with a lot of board agreement.
