Scenic gardens, artistic sculptures and enlightening war memorials adorn this leafy Phoenix point of pride in the political center of Arizona.
Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza is an impressive square lined with memorials and sculptures. Standing in front of the Arizona State Capitol complex, the plaza is considered one of the Phoenix points of pride. Visit Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza to learn about the state’s historic wartime contributions and prominent figures through the many statues and plaques here.
Enjoy a picnic on the lawn, in view of the imposing Arizona State Capitol building. The park has more than 25 memorials, with further context revealed via the self-guided tour app.
Study the anchor and mast from the USS Arizona, which sank in Pearl Harbor. Written on the anchor are the names of service members who lost their lives during the 1941 attack. In 2013, guns from the USS Arizona and USS Missouri were installed nearby, spaced 405 inches (10 meters) apart, representing the roughly 405,000 Americans who were killed during World War II.
Near the amphitheater at the center of the park is a statue devoted to the Navajo Code Talkers. Find out how these Native Americans used their little-known language as a critical advantage during World War II.
See the sculpture that commemorates the 158th Infantry Regiment, known as the Bushmasters for their valiant fighting in the jungles of the Pacific.
Spot the colorful memorial to the Desert Storm operation in Iraq and get a closer look at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial. Other highlights include the Jewish War Veterans Memorial, the Operation Enduring Freedom Memorial and the Father Kino Statue.
The plaza is named for Governor Wesley Bolin, who served Arizona as secretary of state for 28 years and governor for five months. Note that the square has become one of the main gathering points in Phoenix and is often the location of protests and rallies.
From downtown Phoenix, travel west for 1.4 miles (2.2 kilometers) to arrive at Wesley Bolin Memorial Plaza in less than 10 minutes by car. You can also walk here in about half an hour.
Explore the surroundings for other attractions such as the Arizona Capitol Museum, Pioneer & Military Memorial Park and University Park.
