Cameron Park

A covered walkway with a black arched frame and a translucent roof, extending down a sidewalk next to a road and a building.

Cameron Park is located at 4th and King Streets in downtown La Crosse. The permanent market canopy was installed in 2013 and new playground equipment was added in 2016. The trees in the 1.5 acre park provide a lovely shaded greenspace for visitors to downtown La Crosse.

Cameron Park has an interesting history. According to Myer Katz in his book “Echoes of Our Past”, the land was purchased in 1847 by Peter Cameron, an early settler who arrived in 1843. Three years later he deeded half of his large land tract to his brother Daniel. In 1851 it was noticed that on Cameron Park section of the deed, the words “Fourth Street Park” had been scratched out and “Public Square” written in its place.  Peter and Daniel Cameron both testified they did not authorize the written change. Thirty-five years later Daniel Cameron sued the City to return the land to him, and won three court cases, in 1891, 1892, and 1899. The City eventually purchased the land from his heirs after the third trial. When the City Council wanted to rename the King Street Public Square to Cameron Park in 1903, there was an uproar that it would be named after Daniel Cameron. The explanation came that it would be named to honor Daniel’s brothers, Peter Cameron and Angus Cameron, and the name change was approved.

Location

400 King Street, La Crosse, WI 54601  View Map

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