Dale Shewalter
Encyclopedia
Dale Richard Shewalter (May 16, 1950 – January 10, 2010) was an American
teacher
who founded and promoted the Arizona Trail
in 1985.
Shewalter was born in Geneva, Illinois
, on May 16, 1950. He served in the United States Marine Corps
1st Battalion, 7th Marines during the Vietnam War
. Shewalter worked as a teacher for the Flagstaff Unified School District
.
Shewalter, who began his career as a teacher
and educator, led the effort to create the Arizona Trail
, a hiking
and horseback trail which now runs through most of Arizona
. The Arizona Trail extends from Jacob Lake in northern Arizona south to Huachuca Mountains
near the border with Mexico
. A plaque
stands in Buffalo Park in Flagstaff, Arizona, in recognition of Shewalter's work.
Dale Shewalter died of cancer in Flagstaff, Arizona
, on January 10, 2010, at the age of 59. He was survived by his wife, Madeleine Shewalter, son, Zane Shewalter and stepdaughter, Allison Hartman. His funeral was held at the Ashurst Auditorium at Northern Arizona University
.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
teacher
Teacher
A teacher or schoolteacher is a person who provides education for pupils and students . The role of teacher is often formal and ongoing, carried out at a school or other place of formal education. In many countries, a person who wishes to become a teacher must first obtain specified professional...
who founded and promoted the Arizona Trail
Arizona Trail
The Arizona National Scenic Trail is a National Scenic Trail from Mexico to Utah that traverses the whole north-south length of Arizona. The trail begins at the Coronado National Memorial near the US-Mexico border and moves north through parts of the Huachuca, Santa Rita, and Rincon Mountains; it...
in 1985.
Shewalter was born in Geneva, Illinois
Geneva, Illinois
Geneva is the county seat of Kane County, Illinois. It is located on the western fringe of the Chicago suburbs. As of the 2010 census, the city had a total population of 26,652. Geneva is part of a tri-city area, along with St. Charles and Batavia...
, on May 16, 1950. He served in the United States Marine Corps
United States Marine Corps
The United States Marine Corps is a branch of the United States Armed Forces responsible for providing power projection from the sea, using the mobility of the United States Navy to deliver combined-arms task forces rapidly. It is one of seven uniformed services of the United States...
1st Battalion, 7th Marines during the Vietnam War
Vietnam War
The Vietnam War was a Cold War-era military conflict that occurred in Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia from 1 November 1955 to the fall of Saigon on 30 April 1975. This war followed the First Indochina War and was fought between North Vietnam, supported by its communist allies, and the government of...
. Shewalter worked as a teacher for the Flagstaff Unified School District
Flagstaff Unified School District
The Flagstaff Unified School District is the primary school district for Flagstaff, Arizona area and neighboring areas. The district has approximately 11,500 students and operates 22 schools; including two high schools , three middle schools , four magnet schools , nine elementary schools, and...
.
Shewalter, who began his career as a teacher
Teacher
A teacher or schoolteacher is a person who provides education for pupils and students . The role of teacher is often formal and ongoing, carried out at a school or other place of formal education. In many countries, a person who wishes to become a teacher must first obtain specified professional...
and educator, led the effort to create the Arizona Trail
Arizona Trail
The Arizona National Scenic Trail is a National Scenic Trail from Mexico to Utah that traverses the whole north-south length of Arizona. The trail begins at the Coronado National Memorial near the US-Mexico border and moves north through parts of the Huachuca, Santa Rita, and Rincon Mountains; it...
, a hiking
Hiking
Hiking is an outdoor activity which consists of walking in natural environments, often in mountainous or other scenic terrain. People often hike on hiking trails. It is such a popular activity that there are numerous hiking organizations worldwide. The health benefits of different types of hiking...
and horseback trail which now runs through most of Arizona
Arizona
Arizona ; is a state located in the southwestern region of the United States. It is also part of the western United States and the mountain west. The capital and largest city is Phoenix...
. The Arizona Trail extends from Jacob Lake in northern Arizona south to Huachuca Mountains
Huachuca Mountains
The Huachuca Mountain range is part of the Sierra Vista Ranger District of the Coronado National Forest. The Huachuca Mountains are located in Cochise County, Arizona approximately south-southeast of Tucson and southwest of the city of Sierra Vista, Arizona...
near the border with Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
. A plaque
Plaque
Plaque or placque may refer to:* Commemorative plaque, a flat ornamental plate or tablet fixed to a wall, used to mark a significant event, person, etc.* Memorial Plaque, issued to next-of-kin of dead British military personnel after World War I...
stands in Buffalo Park in Flagstaff, Arizona, in recognition of Shewalter's work.
Dale Shewalter died of cancer in Flagstaff, Arizona
Flagstaff, Arizona
Flagstaff is a city located in northern Arizona, in the southwestern United States. In 2010, the city's population was 65,870. The population of the Metropolitan Statistical Area was at 134,421 in 2010. It is the county seat of Coconino County...
, on January 10, 2010, at the age of 59. He was survived by his wife, Madeleine Shewalter, son, Zane Shewalter and stepdaughter, Allison Hartman. His funeral was held at the Ashurst Auditorium at Northern Arizona University
Northern Arizona University
Northern Arizona University is a public university located in Flagstaff, Arizona, United States. It is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, and has 39 satellite campuses in the state of Arizona. The university offers both undergraduate and graduate degrees.As of...
.