Historic Chautauqua Park The word "Chautauqua" (cha-ta-qwa) draws its meaning from a pre-colonial Iroquois Indian term that referred to a legend about a small boy leading a blind man with a rope. Chautauqua Park began its life in 1872 as the Hennington Campground, a religious retreat founded by the Brookhaven District of the United Methodist Church. In 1892 a Chautauqua Assembly was incorporated and the grounds were renamed. The assembly remained active until 1917 and hosted numerous noteworthy scholars, evangelists and actors. In 1909 delegates from five cities convened at the site of the present amphitheater to form the first Mississippi Conference of Parents and Teachers Association (PTA).
Lake Chautauqua was constructed by the Illinois Central Railroad as a reservoir to supply water to steam locomotives that stopped in Crystal Springs, which at that time was one of the most prosperous agricultural areas in the United States. This site was chosen, in part, because Crystal Springs is the highest point of elevation between Memphis, Tennessee and New Orleans, Louisiana. Many vegetables were shipped all over the United States from Crystal Springs, which became known as the Tomatopolis or Tomato Capitol of the World.
One of the early pumps used to supply water to trains is protected by a pumphouse built by students from the Mississippi Job Corps Center. The field guide, sold at the Visitors Center and Caretaker's residence, includes useful information about the flora and fauna found along Chautauqua Park's three miles of walking trails. School groups, church groups and organizations are encouraged to visit the park. Take a walk with us... The stone fence and structures in Chautauqua Park were constructed in the late 1930s or early 1940s by a Works Progress Administration (WPA) team. A new spillway was also constructed to raise the level of the lake. An AmeriCorps team (grandchild of the WPA) constructed the outdoor classroom in 1997. Recent construction, like the Rainbow Bridge, mimics the stonework style of the past. The Visitors Center may be rented by businesses and nonprofit groups as meeting space for up to 100.
Enjoy one of several picnic spots located on the grounds and take a moment to visit with the many ducks and geese that live on Lake Chautauqua. (But watch out--one of the geese has been know to chase people off the Rainbow Bridge!) The playground offers swings, slides and climbing structures for children. Structural amenities throughout the park include an amphitheater, gazebos and pavilions, a swinging bridge, a multi-level deck and an outdoor classroom. Historic Chautauqua Park is a 74 acre site with wooded rolling hills, flowing springs and a 35 acre lake where one can discover the beautiful elements of nature. Walkers may explore three miles of mulch trails that wind around the park through areas representative of wetland and dry upland environments.
The Tree Top Trail, a unique attraction, is a 1500 foot long handicapped accessible, elevated wooden boardwalk offering a squirrel's eye view of life in the woods. Chautauqua Park is now and has always been a project in progress as the City of Crystal Springs, The Friends of Chautauqua, citizen volunteers, businesses and the Chamber of Commerce continue working together adding new features.
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To contact us, write: City of Crystal Springs, Parks & Recreation
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P.O. Box 473, Crystal Springs, MS 39059
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Phone : 601-892-0007.
