Historically the interior of Public Square, or as it was known originally the "Town Plot," has served a variety of needs. Laid out in 1733 by Col. John Durkee, it has been the setting for a market house, a fireproof storage building for records, a boys academy, the Ship Zion Church and a succession of three court houses. The last court house on Public Square was razed in 1910, at which time a fountain with the statue of the Indian maiden "Kankakee" was placed in the center, making the entire interior of Public Square a park. While the park plan remained unchanged from 1910-1977, the fountain was removed in 1934.
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On June 23, 1972 Hurricane Agnes caused the Susquehanna River to flood its banks. The resulting damage in property loss and human suffering to Wilkes-Barre and its Wyoming Valley neighbors was incalculable. Financial aid from federal, state and local governments became available for use in a comprehensive program which planned, financed and implemented renewal efforts.
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The reconstruction of Public Square Park was accomplished as part of the "Wilkes-Barre Downtown Urban Renewal Program." It is dedicated
to the Citizens of Wilkes-Barre and the Wyoming Valley in the hope it will be enjoyed by all.
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