Baptiste Peoria gave this plot of land to the Paola Town Company in 1858 with the proviso that no buildings be constructed on it. A bust of Peoria and his wife, Mary Ann, is accompanied by a plaque that describes their contribution to the development of Paola. The first gazebo and fountain were built in the late 1800s, but in 1912 George Washburn created the present Park Square design. Trees and gardens, old-fashioned street lamps, a soldiers monument and statue, benches, and sidewalks leading to the fountain make this a lovely green space for all to enjoy. A story-board plaque includes information about the removal of the Potawatomis from Indiana to Kansas in 1838. They camped here during the forced march, often referred to as the Trail of Death.