917.73 Illinois. Dept. of Il6i Conservation. 1958 Illinois state parks, memorials, and conservation areas. L-s- «d. LINCOLN ROOM UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS LIBRARY ]^^fe^at-*3aafe^^^ >*<- Visit Scenic and Historic ILLINOIS Throughout the entire State of Illinois are areas of mag- nificent scenic beauty and localities of unusual historic interest perpetuated in State Parks, Memorials and Conserva- tion Areas. In this book are shown and described outstanding spots which constitute enjoyable objectives for weekend trips or vacations. Illinois, with its abundant wildlife, navigable streams and fertile soils, was from the days of its discovery a much-sought- after prize by four nations. The scenes of the earliest settle- ments and battlegrounds are commemorated in State Parks, Memorials and Conservation Areas principally along the Illi- nois, Mississippi and Ohio rivers. The first white men who visited Illinois were the French, the first of whom were Father Jacques Marquette and Louis Jolliet in 1673, followed closely by La Salle, Tonti and by members of the French Military. Less than a century later the English had taken over the Illinois Territory and in 1778, during the American Revolu- tion, George Rogers Clark captured the territory from the British. After the admission of Illinois as a State in 1818, its his- toric importance continued, with Abraham Lincoln the out- standing figure. The Lincoln Shrines in Illinois alone are tourist objectives second to none in historic importance in the Nation. Other areas are notable for their scenic beauty. Included among these are such attractive spots as Starved Rock, White Pines Forest, Mississippi Palisades, Feme Clyffe, Giant City and Siloam Springs State Park. It is hoped that this booklet will be helpful to those who are interested in the scenic and historic spots of Illinois. Illinois extends a cordial invitation to visit its State Parks. Memorials, and Conservation Areas. ILLINOIS State ^an^, 'Tftet^u^xcal^. An Illustrated, Descriptive Guide to Scenic Parks, Historic Memorials and Lincoln Shrines in Illinois SIXTH EDITION (Car Stickers are required at all State Parks 100 acres or larger except Lincoln's New Salem) ♦ ♦ ♦ STATE OF ILLINOIS William G. Stratton, Governor DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION Glen D. Palmer, Director DIVISION OF PARKS AND MEMORIALS William R. Allen, Superintendent SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS Primed by Aulhnrily of the Sljte of Illinois ^»iSk>. ,23 (eCM02-6-5e) STATE PARKS AND MEMORIALS Apple River Canyon State Park 18 Ar^ylc Lake State Park 48 Beaver Dam Lake State Park 48 Bishop Hill State Memorial 35 Black Hawk State Park 27 Buffalo Rock State Park 29 Cahokia Court House State Memorial 36 Cahokia Mounds State Park 37 Cave-in-Rock State Park 41 Dickson Mounds State Memorial 35 Dixon Springs State Park 42 Feme Clyffe State Park 43 Fort Chartres State Park 39 Fort Creve Coeur State Park 49 Fort Kaskaskia State Park 38 Fort Massac State Park 40 Fox Ridge State Park 32 Fox River State Park 28 Gebhard Woods State Park 29 Giant City State Park 16 Grand Marais State Park 36 Ulysses S. Grant State Memorial 19 Henry County Conservation Area 48 mini State Park 28 Illinois Beach State Park 22 Illinois and Michigan Canal State Parkway 28 Jubilee College State Memorial 34 Kankakee River State Park 33 Kaskaskia State Memorial 38 Kickapoo State Park 33 Lake Le-Aqua-Na State Park 48 Lake Murphyshoro State Park 48 Lincoln Home State Memorial 3 Lincoln Log Cabin State Park 8 Lincoln's New Salem State Park 6 Lincoln Tomb State Memorial 3 Lincoln Trail State Park 8 Lincoln Trail Homestead State Park 7 Lewis and Clark State Memorial 37 Lowden Memorial State Park 19 Matthiessen State Park Nature Area 31 Mississippi Palisades State Park 20 Nauvoo State Park 26 Pere Marquette State Park 14 Prophctstown State Park 12 Ramsey Lake State Park 48 Red Hills State Park 42 Shawneetown State Memorial 43 Siloam Springs State Park 34 Spitler Woods State Park 32 Springfield, Capital of Illinois 46-47 Spring Lake State Park 48 Starved Rock State Park 10 Weldon Springs State Park 48 White Pines Forest State Park 12 Wolf Lake Conservation Area 48 lo "Mis Spirit Cives Stem ally in Jllims r^ff Bronze Head of Lincoln by Gutzon Borglum in Front of Lincoln Tomb Few if any Americans have equalled, and none have surpassed, Abraham Lincoln on the pages of history. Nowhere in the Nation has his name been printed more indelibly than in Illinois. Although it is not his native state, it is the state in which he spent the formative years of his life, the state in which he studied law, achieved national prominence as a legislator and states- man, and from which he went to assume the Presidency in one of the most critical periods of our Nation's history. Throughout the State notable events in Abraham Lincoln's life are com- memorated by memorials ranging from the monument marking the point of entrance of the Lincoln family into Illinois, to the magnificent Lincoln Tomb in Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield where lie the remains of the Great Emancipator. Springfield, the State Capital, is dotted with Lincoln memorials. The Lincoln Home at Eighth and Jackson Streets, the only home that Abraham Lincoln ever owned, is an unpretentious brown frame two-story building, yet housed within it are memories of some of Lincoln's happiest days. It was here that he spent the early years of his marriage, where three of his children were born and from whence he left for Washington to assume the Presidential chair. Visitors Lincoln Homt Kitchen Exterior of Lincoln Home The Front P.irlor ^%^ ' i inniiniiiii n tii — "' Marble Cenotaph of Lincoln T ' " ^. ' . ./.; Tomb Lincoln Trail Monument Sear Laurenceiille, llltn see many of the original furnishings of the home as they are conducted through the rooms in which the Lincoln family actually lived. The Lincoln Tomb in Oak Ridge Ceme- tery IS visited annually by many thousands of men, women and children, including many visitors from foreign countries. As they stand before the huge marble ceno- taph on the ground floor room of the Tomb every visitor feels the tremendous surge of reverence which comes upon beholding the actual resting place of the Great Emanci- pator. The present Tomb is the third re- building upon this site, and it is unques- tionably completely fitting as a memorial to one of America's greatest men. ( Magnificent Tomb of Abraham Lincoln in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Springfield, Illinois 8EAR0ST0WI LINCOLN NATIONAL MEMORIAL HIGHWAY SPntNCFtELO KEY TO LINCOLN SHRINES A- Lincoln Memonol Bridge B- Lincoln Troit Monument C- Lincoln Log Cobin State Pork D- Graves Of Thomas And Soroti Lincoln E- Log Court House Where Lincoln Practiced Law F- Lincoln Trail Homestead ji'AC Mt Puloski Court House Postville Court House Springfield - Lincoln Home, ^^^^^. Tomb And Memoriots New Salem Stote Pork Ann Rutledge's Grave (Below) Exterior of the Lincoln-Berry Store LINCOLN'S NEW Most impressive of all Illinois Memorials . . . perhaps most im- pressive of any historical memorial in the nation ... is Lincoln's New Salem State Park. Here, reproduced in flawless authenticity, is the village where Abraham Lincoln first left his imprint upon the pages of his- tory. It was here that he studied law by the light of the burning shavings in the fireplace of Henry Onstott's cooperage ... it was here that he clerked in a store, em- barked upon his own ill-fated busi- ness venture as a storekeeper, served as postmaster . . . here he met and loved Ann Rutledge . . . in the field beyond the village he drilled with other volunteers be- fore leaving to fight in the Black Hawk War in which he served as a Captain of Militia . . . and it was from New Salem that he was first elected to public office as a Repre- sentative in the State Legislature. It can be safely said that the six years that Abraham Lincoln spent in New Salem formed a turning point in his career. From the gan- Pari Guide with Group Between Onstott Cooperage (rigi and Trent Brothers' Cabin (left) SALEM STATE PARK "The Lincoln Village" hi Menard County on State Routes 123 and 97 20 miles Northwest of Springfield. (328 Acres.) gling raw-boned youngster who came to the village in 1831 with no definite objectives, he became a man of purpose as he embarked in 1837 upon a career in law and statesmanship. There were marked indications of the great things that were to come in his life. Today, when a visitor leaves the parking area outside the village proper, and turns the bend in the footpath between the trees, he steps back a century in time as the vista of the village of log buildings comes into view. From dwelling to dwelling, from cooperage to store, to doctor's office to tavern, to carding mill and to the grist mill, the visitor makes his way through New Salem, pausing to view the interiors of all these buildings. Each has been furnished as it appeared during the years that Lincoln lived there. Here is a well-nigh priceless collection of authentic heirlooms of that period. In the Lincoln-Berry Store and Hill-McNeil Store, are the actual types of wares that the storekeepers handled. As one stands letting one's eyes wander over the interiors noting this and that authentic bit of furnishing, or china or silverware that makes New Salem such a truly wonderful historic memorial, there is a feeling of being in another era. At the foot of the hill, away from the village itself, and just off the high- way, is a gift-antique shop, The Wagon Wheel, designed to harmonize perfectly with the buildings in the village. Also bordering the Sangamon River is another state park, Lincoln Trail Homestead. Under development, this area, eight miles west of Decatur, is the site of the first Lincoln home in Illinois in 1830 and 1831. Miller and Kelso Cuhiin wilh Dogualk Between Lincoln Statue by Avard Fairbjnki Nc.it \'ill.i,e,e Eiilr ^40^^--M^' J-''''^^ ■^*''i^*?«^*i«A»iisi^Sli LINCOLN LOG CABIN STATE PARK /« Coles County, South of Charleston, near State Route 16. (86 Acres.) This is another of Illinois' Lincoln shrines which, although not as closely associated with Araham Lincoln as some others, is nevertheless decidedly worth seeing. Built in 1837, it is a reproduction of the last home built by Abraham Lincoln's father, Thomas Lincoln, and where the elder Lincoln lived until his death in 1851. Sturdily built, the cabin remained standing until 1893 when it was dismantled and removed to Chicago to form an exhibit in the World's Columbian Exposition, when, in some mysterious way, all trace of it was lost. The present reproduction has been so faithfully constructed that to all intents and purposes, it seems to have endured a century of withstanding the elements. Surrounding the land that is included in the Lincoln Log Cabin State Park is a rail fence of the exact type which Abraham Lincoln built to earn for himself the nickname, "The Rail Splitter." Near the park is the Moore Home, a State Memorial, where Lincoln visited his stepmother just before he assumed the Presidency. Three miles from the park is the cemetery where Lincoln's father and stepmother are buried. Another Lincoln memorial in eastern Illinois is Lincoln Trail State Park, south of Marshall, which is in the initial phases (Above) Reco,n,nuu-d Hu„u °^ development including a 160 acre of Abraham Lniculn'^ Father lake. (Below) Front View of the Lincoln Log Cabin LINCOLN ON THE CIRCUIT In the early days of Illinois, judges held court in various county seats in the districts in which they served. It was the custom then for lawyers to accompany the judge on his tour of the circuit, to secure what business they could by repre- senting litigants in the suits to be heard. Abraham Lincoln spent about six months out of the year "on the circuit." He enjoyed the roving life very much and gained much of his fame as a story teller and a man of home spun wisdom as a result of the contacts he made among central Illinois residents. Among the Lincoln memorials in Illinois are the court houses at Metamora, Mt. Pulaski and the Postville Court House at Lincoln in which Lincoln practiced before the bar. Another public building associated with Lincoln's rise in politics is the old State House in Vandalia where Lincoln served his first term as a legislator. Mount PiiLski Court House Metamora Cotirt Hoitse Vandalia State House LINCOLN-DOUGLAS DEBATES According to tradition, on the evening of July 29, 1858, two men were house guests of Francis E. Bryant in Bement, Illinois. Francis Bryant was a first cousin of William Cullen Bryant and his guests were Stephen A. Douglas and Abraham Lincoln, rival candidates for the office of United States Senator from Illinois. Their campaigns were well under way and in the course of their opening tours many controversial issues had been raised. It was in this cottage that the two men sat down together and arranged their now famous series of seven debates . . . debates which, while not achieving the election of Abraham Lincoln as Senator, nevertheless projected him into nationwide prominence as a candidate for the Presidency two years later. The Lincoln-Douglas De- bates were held in Ottawa, Freeport, Jones- boro, Charleston, Galesburg, Quincy and Alton and were held during the latter part of August, September and the early part of October, 1858. This cottage at which they met is preserved as a State Memorial. Bryant Cottage, Bement, Illinois STARVED ROCK STATE PARK In LaSalle County betueen Ottaiva and LaSalle on State Route 71. (1436.6 Acres.) Starved Rock Rises Sheer From the Surface of the Illinois River A State Park which combines a wealth of scenic beauty and grandeur and highly dramatic historic memories is the huge area of hills and canyons surround- ing the mighty prominence, Starved Rock, overlooking the Illinois River Valley. Throughout the expanse of the park, reached by inviting foot-trails or by boat trips from the river, are amazing rock formations and canyons filled with a profusion of plant life and exhibiting nature's imaginative handiwork formed in sandstone by water, minerals and unceasing wind. Horseshoe Canyon "Devil's Nose" U S.,1L- C.»no,! '^^%^^ Lodge at Starved Ruck Sl.ite Park This area was the center of historic events preceding the arrival of the white men. When Father Jacques Marquette and Louis JoHiet first visited here in 1673 they found a tremendous encampment of the Kaskaskias in the shadows of Starved Rock, Its natural impregnability marked it as a logical site for a fortress in the chain of outposts being constructed by the French to guard the fartherest frontier of their newly discovered empire, and it was on the very top of Starved Rock that Robert Cavalier, Sieur de La Salle ordered the con- struction of Fort St. Louis de Rocher. According to tradition in 1722, some Indians were marooned here on top of the rock by Fox Indians, but were rescued by Frenchmen. Among the Powawatomie, legend has it that a part of the Illinois tribe was besieged on the rock, starved into submission and then annihilated, thus Starved Rock acquired its name. Starved Rock is the most popular of all Illinois ne of the Comfortable Guest Cottages State Parks, a fact accounted for by two elements, its proximity to the densely populated Northern section of the State and the fact that it is one of the older State Parks, having been acquired in 1911. Facilities at Starved Rock are complete. The rustic lodge offers delightful accommodations for overnight stays, week- ends or complete vacations. The restaurant is open to the public throughout the year. Ample parking facilities, a camping ground with modern con- veniences, children's playground, and rest rooms are provided. During the summer season excursion boats are operated below Starved Rock to the canyons up- stream. ounge of Started Rock Lodge Guest Bedroom Double Fireplace A Lodge Dining Room ^?*»1>.> Tree-enclosed Valley at White Pines Forest Stale Park WHITE PINES FOREST STATE PARK In Ogle County — 9 tniles West of Oregon, between State Route 2 and U. S. Highway 52. C385 Acres.) Within the boundaries of this beautiful State Park is preserved the Southern-most large stand of White Pines in the United States . . . the mighty monarchs of the forest that once covered a large portion of the wooded area of Illinois. Uncontrolled log- ging operations soon destroyed most of the White Pine forests of this area but the ter- ( Above) Mighty Monarchs of the Forest (Belou) Rustic Bridge over Pine Creek Rocky Bluffs Are Topped by M.iiestic Whiu Pine rain which lends so much beauty to White Pines Forest also served to protect the timber from the ravages of the woodsman's axe. Entering the park, the roadway leads first into a broad sheltered valley almost com- pletely surrounded by majestic bluffs rising sheer from the surface of winding Pine Creek. The road matches the windings of the creek as it follows the more level portions of the valley, crossing and recrossing the creek by means of concrete fords. High atop the bluffs rise the majestic white pines, towering as high as 90 to 100 feet, many with diam- eters of 21/2 feet, raising their lofty branches high above the other trees of hard wood vari- eties which make the forest such a blaze of color in the autumn. Parking areas are pro- vided at intervals within the park, and invit- ing footpaths lead up the bluffs to the top of the cliffs, whence they wind into the forest across ground carpeted by thick layers of pine needles. In the center of a level hilltop area, there is a clearing upon which faces the rustic lodge that houses a lounge and dining rooms. Surrounding it are modern overnight cottages of the same rustic construction to harmonize with the setting in which they are placed. Prophetstown State Park, also in this sec- tion of the state, is under development. Alodern Log Cabins for Oteniight Guesis (Above) A TypicJ Guest Cabin B,Ji (Belou ) White Pines Lodge on the Edge of .1 Hitltoft Glade Museum Housing Nature Exhibits PERE MARQUETTE Largest of all Illinois State Parks is the one- named for Father Jacques Marquette, whose journal records the first entrance of white men into Illinois. A simple but majestic cross marks the point where I-'athcr Marquette, Louis JoUiet and fi\e companions turned their canoes up the Illinois River one autumn day in 1673. Proceeding up the river, traveling what is now the State of Illinois, they marveled at the fertility of the soil and profusion of game. This area was a favorite hunting ground of the Indians whose mounds and village sites dot the park. An unending procession of men have since left records of their experiences in the region. Hennepin spent a week here in the spring of 1680. LaSalle ** Impressive Memorial In Fjther Marquette 'Above) One of the Commanding Heights uithin the Part High Bluffs Affortl Magnificent IV, uj ihe Riv STATE PARK /;/ Jersey County on State Route 100, 6 miles West of Grafton. Ci, 179.9 Acres.) searched for Tonti here, the next December, and a year later built canoes here for a trip to the delta of the Mississippi River. Others who followed were the founders of Cahokia in 1698; Renault, searching for silver, and Charlevoix for a passage to the Pacific in 1721. During territorial days Stephen Long, ex- plorer of the West, tracked through the park in 1815 and Gurdon Hubbard, fur trader, stayed over- night in 1818. In the nature museum within the park can be seen animal and bird life indigenous to the region. The roadway leading into the park winds up to the tops of many of the hills from which vantage points the Illinois River Valley spreads out before the beholder. Complete facilities for vacationers are provided at Pere Marquette State Park. These include a fine lodge with guest rooms, lounge and splendid restaurant and delightful stone rustic guest houses near the lodge. The Pere Marquette Conservation Area, adjoining the state park, consists of 2,574 acres and has three organized youth group camps with rustic buildings and two swimming pools. (Below) Rambling Rustic Lodge al Pere Marquette Park mm^ GIANT CITY STATE PARK III Jackson and Union Counties South of Carhon- dale, East of U. S. Higlniay 5/. (1.574 Acres.) Detil's Stand Tijble Rocky Cliff of the Illinois Ozarks It IS not surprising that this area was christened with such an imaginative name as "Giant City, " for here in the Illinois Ozarks is found one of the most amazing rock formations in the Nation. The ridge to the west of the Lodge is a maze of huge blocks of stone with walls as vertical as the sides of a skyscraper aligned along "streets" as straight as though laid out by a surveyor's transit. These "streets" forming Giant City are the result of some tremendous underground upheaval in the dim and distant past which caused a bed of sandstone to slip over a deposit of shale. The blocks of stone which have separated along (.racks resulting from earth movements, are only one of the many sources of amazement and wonder to be found in this beautiful State Park. Erosion by a stream through the centuries has created "Natural Amphitheater" and in front of it, balanced on a needle-like pinnacle of rock, is the flat slab of stone called "Devil's Stand Table." Truly, visitors of a fanciful turn of mind can almost envision playful titans toying with the rocks that are scattered about the area in such an intriguing fashion. All of this is surrounded by the great natural beauty that is found 111 the Ozark Mountains, where flourish many south- ern species of plants and animals. (Below) One of the Strange Canyom (Abate) Tremendous Balanced Rock The Stoiu Lodge Surmounts the Highest Hill W'lthni the Park Beautiful Lounge in Giant City LoU A beautiful stone lodge contains a comfortable lounge and very attractive dining rooms and is located atop the highest hill within the park. Nearby, close enough to afford desirable convenience for meals, yet secluded enough to give quiet and privacy, are comfortable guest cabins. The view from the lodge veranda is a vast panorama of wild natural beauty that appears much the same as it did when it was a favorite hunting ground of the Indians. One can look out over the surrounding countryside for miles with- out seeing any sign of modern civilization. Beautiful at all times of the year, this Ozark country reaches its climax of blazing color in early fall, after the first frosts have touched the leaves with gold and red. Giant City State Park is deservedly becoming more and more popular each year as an objective for a week-end tour or vacation. A new road from the park takes the fisherman two miles to Little Grassy Lake, an outstanding bass fishing spot. Crab Orchard Lake with fishing, boating and swimming is also near the park. AdiJcent to the Lodge Shelter Houses are Located Throughout the Pa 'S t^xi At'file Riier which W'indi lhrnuf,h ihis Beuultfiil Ar APPLE RIVER CANYON STATE PARK In Jo Daviess County, South and West of Warren Near State Route 78. (157.1 Acres.) Here in the hilly northern part of Illinois is another of the State Parks which has as its primary attraction strange and interesting rock formations. This is a beautiful canyon which has been formed by the action of the waters of winding Apple Ri\er. From the parking and picnic area in the valley between the high hills on all sides, Apple River winds its way, with footpaths along its bank which take visitors to vantage points affording close-up views of the colorful canyon walls dotted with mosses, lichens and tenacious bushes which somehow or other have found crevices to hold their roots on the sheer walls. Other footpaths lead to the tops of hills, from which Charles Mound, the highest point in Illinois, 1,241 feet above sea level, can be seen ten miles to the northwest. Another point of in- terest here is the site of the town of Mili- viile, an early mining settlement and a relay station of an old stage route from Chicago to Dixon and Galena. Geologically this park IS of particular interest because it was part of the small area of northern Illinois which was not covered by the great ice sheet that descended upon the Middle West more than a milhon years ago. Shelter House and Picnic Area ULYSSES S. GRANT HOME STATE MEMORIAL Al Galena, in Jo Daviess County on U. S. Highway 20. Galena, Illinois, has had numerous bids for fame throu^'hout its history, A century or more ago it was a thriving httle metropolis which was the center of the lead mining industry of the area. Shortly before the Civil War a tanner named U. S. Grant brought his family to live in Galena. With the start of hostilities, he donned the uniform of his country and became the most successful General in the Union Armies. When he returned home at the close of the war, grateful citizens gave him a new home as a token of their gratitude and esteem. This square brick house is now preserved as a State Memorial to General U. S. Grant. It contains many of the original furnishings in addition to a large arm chair that was General Grant's favorite seat in the White House, military trophies and items used in the White House. Another State Memorial at Galena is the Old Market House which is the last of these community trading centers preserved in the state. LOWDEN MEMORIAL STATE PARK /;/ Ogle County on the East Bank of the Rock River near Oregon, North of State Route 6-/. (208 Acres.) As the motorist drives north or south on Highway 2 between Dixon and Rockford, at a point just north of Oregon his eyes are caught by a tremendous concrete statue towering 250 feet above Rock River on a high hilltop on the opposite bank. This is the so-called "Black Hawk Statue," created by the famous American sculptor Lorado Taft to typify the Redman who once roamed this area. It is not surprising that popular fancy gave it the name "Black Hawk" for it was this beautiful countryside that this fa- mous Indian brave called his own. A close- up view of the statue is afforded by visiting Lowden Memorial State Park which sur- rounds it. "Black Hawk" Sla/ue in LowJen Memorial Slate Pari MISSISSIPPI PALISADES STATE PARK In Ciirroll County on Statu Route 80 North of Savanna. ( 1 ,138 Acres.) The east bank of the Mississippi River in the northern part of Illinois is a series of lofty bluffs rising steeply from the flood plain alon^ which runs the highway. Vertical out- croppings of limestone give this area its name, the Mis- sissippi Palisades. It is one of the most magnificent scenic areas in the State with the jagged pinnacles of white stone etched sharply against the green of the surrounding hills. The most beautiful part of this entire stretch of scenic grandeur has been set aside as a State Park. All of the natural beauty has been preserved in its primeval state. Well-marked foot trails lead the visitors along paths once worn smooth by the moccasincd feet of Indians to the very top of high palisades from which sweeping views of the mighty "Father of Waters" and the distant Iowa shore un- fold before their eyes. Most striking of the strange rock formations are "Indian Head Rock" and "Twin Sisters." The dramatic history of the area is graphically brought to the visitor's mind by a visit to Bob Upton's Cave, the tiny fissure in the high wall in which the white youth lay con- cealed for days while marauding Indians sought him to complete their grim work of wiping out the entire popula- tion of a nearby village. luii! S/s/ers, uiie oj Rock Formalions in Palisades Si m e the Slrjiix Missis up I' Pari fhil Vi^iijtice Ot Si cue Typical of Commanding View. from many Vantage Points A I 'lew From Seniiiicl Tr.iil vJftTi^'!'.; BeJch House at llli. Beach Slate Park ILLINOIS BEACH STATE PARK In Lake County between Waukegan and Zion, East of State Route 42. (1,55') Acres.) Entrance at Illinois Beach State Pari A summer playground easily ac- cessible to more than half of the State's population is Illinois Beach State Park. Here, at the first state park to offer public bathing, is a sandy beach stretching 3^/2 miles along the shore of Lake Michigan between Waukegan and Zion. Lake Michigan has always been a favorite playground for those for- tunate enough to live within easy access to it, but the beaches of Chicago and the North Shore sub- urbs have not been adequate for thousands of inland residents. The park is being developed to pro\ide the finest type of all-day S.ilure Area Ample Parking Space /.( Proiided bathing and a guarded shore-line of 1,000 feet can care for 8,000 or more bathers at one time. The beach house is provided with the most modern facilities with checking room, dressing courts, showers and toilets. Competent life guards are on duty at all times during the season as well as a registered nurse who has a first aid room. Adjoining the main parking area is a children's playground. Ample picnic areas are provided with good shade This area of low sand ridges, covered with scrub oak and small pines inter- spersed with marshes and fringed by a 200-foot wide beach, differs in wildlife from any other Illinois state park. It is said to grow a greater variety of trees, flowers and shrubs than any other one locality in the world. The first' new park lodge built in many years is under construction at Illinois Beach. It will be a three-story reinforced concrete slab type building with 112 rooms. In addition to guest rooms it will have a meeting room for 250 persons and a dining room with a view of the lake and the nature area. Also under construction are three bathhouses, six sunshelters, blacktop road and camping sites. The Park Beach Stretches J '/J Milei Along Lake Michigan Shore CO iZiCi CO PC PL4 O CO O H o u H H CO >- LU E £ -JIIhS^S ^5°^= °S-|J1 iz4°, Oli)5< JjO; ■IE § »-^-2 S !^ > -o r-' oo o» o — Q JjZi . o o> iO.E : O-Q •o S |l > oi S^-tJil Ellin S,...lo,u /. 7/; 7?!e of the Original Locks of "f I 6 M Canal, Channahon 1 ^31 a K^^5 ^^B ^^ ^wMWiBi H JB^JS ;J l.,ui I .oij hnkkeepcr's Hull niw Suhieil for their Talents GEBHARD WOODS STATE PARK South of Morris in Grundy County. (29.6 Acres.) Gebhard Woods Sla/e Pjrk M Monn This small park is truly a gem of beauty. Along the south edge of the park flows the old Illinois and Michigan Canal and through the park meanders Nettle Creek. A number of small ponds lie in this artistic setting and abound in fish whose catching is restricted to children. Site of a former CCC camp, stone shelter houses and out-of-door stoves attract the park visitor with their rustic simplicity. BUFFALO ROCK STATE PARK Near Ottawa in LaSalle County. (43 Acres.) Seen from across the Illinois River, Buffalo Rock resembles a sleeping bison if ones imagination is reasonably active. Close-up as one drives the road which rises along the side of the rocky eminence, this illusion is lost and all one sees is a tremendous rocky cliflf whose surface is veiled in places by vines and trailing wisps from swallows' nests built in the crevices. The top of the rock is a plateau-like level area with foot trails leading to cliff brinks which afford a delightful view of the Illinois River. A new shelter house with toilets and f, concession stand and an enclosure with a herd of Buffalo adjoins the parking area atop the rock, :ilii W^ *»,. The Illinois River Unfolds efore the Visitor Ato(> ,.IJ.,ln R,ni V. ■^■^•^%<^ 'v».. Jt*^i^ KHfct\_ • :-cjab^ MATTHIESSEN STATE PARK In LaSalle County near Oglesby, South of State Route 71. (174.6 Acres.) In Matthiessen State Park, one of the more recently acquired State Park properties, the visitor finds a rare combination of scenic beauties and plant, animal and bird life. For many years it was a private estate and was in effect a privately maintained nature preserve. As a result, over fifty varieties of birds may be counted in the park and found here also are many small animals such as rabbits, raccoons, opossums, muskrats, etc. The natural beauties are similar to those of nearby Starved Rock State Park, although, since Nature is never stereotyped in her handiwork, each of the canyons and glens has its own appearance and specific type of beauty. A herd of deer which formerly had free run of the enttire area encompassed within the park boundaries is now enclosed in a large stockade so that visitors may watch these graceful denizens of the forest at closer quarters. Another point of interest is a reconstruction of a block house of the type which was utilized for the protection of settlers from roving bands of Indians. This area was once the home of the powerful lUini Confederation of Indians. . Waterfall and Canyon, Matthiessen State Park (Below) A Herd of Deer Is Protected Within the Pjrk Blockhouse Reproduction. Typical of Pion, FOX RIDGE STATE PARK III Coles County South of Charleston, iie,n State Route I Ml (Ti8 Acres.) In sharp contrast to the Hat prairies of the Central Eastern part of lUinois, is the area included in Fox Rid^e State Park, a hea\ily wooded tract on rolling' hills arising from the banks of the Embarrass River. In addi- tion to tile recreational facilities provided by the State, the Natural History Survey maintains an experimental area in Rid^'e Lake for the study of fish and aquatic life which is of particular interest to nature lovers and sportsmen. Fox Ridge State Park is a popular campint; area because of the wildness of the natural surroundings, and the excellent fishing . . . principally crappies and large-mouth bass. No charge is made for the use of boats but a permit must be obtained from the Survey. Ruitic Shell tr ProtiJet Picnicking Facilnn SPITLER WOODS STATE PARK 111 Macon County near Mt. Zion, State Route 121. (202.^ Acres.) Deeply shaded ravines and towering trees in a true "forest primeval" are the lures which attract city dwellers of Illinois to Spitler Woods State Park. The area was donated to the State by the late Ida B. Spitler for whom it is named and in accord- ance with the terms of her will providing that the natural beauties be disturbed as little as possible the State has maintained it in its natural state, with a minimum of picnic fa- cilities and other construction. Spitler Woods is considered one of the most beautiful areas of its kind in the State. -' ■•>y One uf ihe M.vi) L.igoiiin Amid Sleep. Tree-covereJ B.iiiki in KiiLipoo Sl.ile Park KICKAPOO STATE PARK In Vermilion County near Danville, State Route 10. (1,578.7 Acres.) Kickapoo State Park is not only a source of much enjoyment to the outdoor lover for its beautiful scenery and its boating, fishing, picnic, camping, hiking and riding facilities, but it is also a demonstration of reclamation which serves as a model for the Nation. Salt wells first attracted the Indians to this area and after the coming of the White man, coal deposits near the surface were dis- covered and removed by strip mining. Mining operations left the area a veritable "bad lands," with bare ridges of sub-soil separated by deep gullies. Nature's efforts to camouflage the scars upon the surface of the earth were aided by the State and the result is an area of remarkable beauty dotted by many lakes with over 200 acres of water. KANKAKEE RIVER STATE PARK In Kankakee County near Kankakee, State Route 115. (2,07-1 Acres.) This recreational area along the Kankakee River and Rock Creek is very popular with the picnicker, camper, fisherman and boatman. Once the site of an Indian reservation, this widely used park is having an extensive development program. All overlook on the Kankakee River Rcilur.J Colltii, Chapel JUBILEE COLLEGE STATE MEMORIAL In Peoria County Northuest of Peoria, near U. S. Highiiay 1 50. (96 Acres.) In Jubilee College State Memorial is presen'ed a building of one of the earliest educational institutions to be established in Illinois. Founded by the Right Reverend Philander Chase, first Bishop of the Episcopal Church in Illinois, the College was chartered in 1847 and, spurred by the leadership of Bishop Chase continued to function until the Bishop's death in 1852. After that time the College fell into financial straits and was abandoned during the Civil War. The college building has withstood the century or more of battering by the elements and is in excellent state of preservation, affording an interesting objective for tourists. In the small cemetery nearby, the grave of Bishop Chase is marked by a stone lectern. SILO AM SPRINGS STATE PARK In Adams and Brown Counties near Keller- ville, North of State Route 104. (2,815 Acres.) A new lake of 68 acres stocked to game fish is an outstanding feature of this beautiful area of rollmg country mid-way between the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers. The state's second largest park, it is about 25 miles east of Quincy and excel- lent gravel roads lead from U.S. 24 and Route 104. This once famous watering spot and little town site have promise of becoming one of the most popular state parks. The Sitoam Springs Village Sile is Traversed By This Stream .^ofV DICKSON MOUNDS STATE MEMORIAL III Fulton County near Havana, near State Routes 78 and 97. (24. "i Acres.) Here is one of the most important arche- ological discoveries ever made in Illinois. When the Dickson family acquired this area for farming purposes nearly a century ago, no significance was attached to the fifty foot high mound which was within the farm boundaries. It was thought to be merely a hillock until the owner started to grade it down to fill a basin between the points of the crescent shaped mound. These operations uncovered numerous Indian skeletons and archeologists were called in. Careful excavation of a portion of the mound revealed over two hundred and thirty skeletons which have been left in their original postures together with their possessions such as pottery, weapons and ornaments. In the excavation it was revealed that burial was done in successive layers, each layer adding to the height of the mound. Many wall cases have artifacts and other material taken from similar excavations in Illinois. Excavations Show the Manner of Burial of Long-F or gotten Tribes of Prehistoric Indians BISHOP HILL STATE MEMORIAL In Henry County at Bishop Hill, North of U. S. Highway 34. (4.3 Acres.) Principal point of interest in this State Memorial is the Old Colony Church which was built in 1848 by the group of Swedish immigrants led by Eric Janson who settled in Henry County in 1846. The memorial honors a courageous group which came to Illinois to find religious and personal free- dom. In the renovated church building are many settlement relics and a collection of primitive paintings. The small community retains much of its appearance of a century ago. uitd f„r LiiiU Ton Is Proi/JiJ GRAND MARAIS STATE PARK III St. Clair County East of East St. Louis be- tween U. S. Highways 50 and -160. (1,12^ Acres.) Serving the large populace of the East St. Louis region is one of the most popular and complete recreational parks of the State. Its facilities include lakes for boating and fishing, a sporty 18-hole golf course, horseback riding, extensive picnic facilities and playgrounds for little tots. Meals are served throughout the year at the Boathouse Restaurant. Started as an East St. Louis municipal park, it was given to the State in 1946. Summer activities center around the lakes and boat basin, where over 400 boats are kept. liriiJIe P.ilhi Wind I'hrou^h W'oods A Golf Course I ' *i- One of the Facitilu CAHOKIA COURT HOUSE STATE MEMORIAL In St. Clair County, South of East St. Louis. State Route /57. (1.5 Acres.) The Cahokia Court House is believed to be the oldest house in Illinois and the elder of all court houses west of the Allegheny Mountains. The house, which contains many of the original ^ timbers, is thought to have been built around 1737. It was the home of Captain Jean Baptiste Saucier, builder of Fort de Chartrcs, and was owned by his son, I'rancois, at the time the Illinois country was captured by George Rogers Clark in 1778. Saucier sold the house in 1793 for a court house and jail for which it was used until 18J4. The building was exhibited in St. Louis and Chicago for some years. Recoinr CAHOKIA MOUNDS STATE PARK In St. Clair and Madison Counties, northeast of East St. Louis on U. S. Highway 40. (H4.6 Acres.) As one drives along U. S. Highway 40 a few miles east of East St. Louis, the flat prairie traversed by the highway suddenly changes to a vista of scores of symmetrical flat-topped mounds rising unexpectedly from the plains. These are the famed Cahokia Indian mounds, relics of an ancient Indian race living here a century or more before Columbus. There are twelve mounds in the Park, the largest of which is huge Monk's Mound a few steps away from busy High- way 40. This mound, which represents a greater expenditure of human labor than the construction of the Great Pyramid of Egypt, receives its name from a community of Trappist Monks who built a monastery just west of the summit in 1809 and remained there until 1813 when a plague of fever resulted in the deaths of most of them and the survivors abandoned the site. The even outlines of huge Monk's Mound are somewhat obscured by the trees and shrubbery that have grown up on it through the passage of years but natural though the hill appears, it actually is man-made. At the base of Monk's Mound is a museum in which may be seen Indian relics and artifacts discov- ered in the surrounding area. The park has shaded picnic areas and tent camping facilities. A short distance west, opposite the conflu- ence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, is the Lewis and Clark State Memorial which marks the site from which the famous expedi- tion started. (Above) The Museum Houses Many Inleresling Relics and Artifacts (Below) Largest of All Cahokia Mounds is Huge Monti's Mound The Symmetrical Mounds Rise Abruptly From the Flat Plains FORT KASKASKIA STATE PARK Pierre Menard Home, Garrison Hill Cemetery, Kaskaskia Memorial In Randolph County on State Route 3, North of Chester. (201 Acres.) In 1778, three years after the start of the Revolutionary War, George Rogers Clark and his band of "Kentucky Long Knives" undertook their history- making expedition to the Ilinois country. This band of frontiersmen wrested Illinois from the British at Kaskaskia. This town, founded by the French in 1703, passed to the British in 1765. It became the territorial capital in 1809 and when Illinois was admitted to the Union in 1818 continued as the first State Capital until 1820 when the capital was moved to Vandalia. Fort Kaskaskia occupied the summit of a hill on the other side of the river and overlooking the town. The fort's log stockades, long rotted away, are indi- cated by earthern ramparts. Adjoining the site is Garrison Hill Cemetery, burial place of pioneer Kaskaskia residents. At the foot of the hill is the home of Pierre Menard, first Illinois Lieutenant Governor, now undergoing extensive renovating and to which is being added many original Menard items. No visage of the town of Kaskaskia remains as the Mississippi River over the years cut through the narrow neck of land occupied by the town and washed away its historic buildings as it ran into the channel of the Kaskaskia River which formerly flowed to join the Mis- sissippi a short distance down stream. On the island thus formed by the Missi- sippi's action is a handsome brick building which is a State memorial to the first capital and the state's founders. The outstanding exhibit in the memorial is the "Liberty Bell of the West" which rang lustily the night Clark captured Kaskaskia. T/ie Eurlhen Rumlnirli of hi. Kus- kaskia Still Remain on the Hilllop mnumding View of Mii^hl) Mit- Orif^nul Hi/me of Pierre Meiijrd. "The Uber/y Bell of the West" H.uif;< !//>/'; Fjr Below Htttiol> Oierlook Finl Ueu/en.iiil Governor of llliiioii iti the Kask.iski.i SlMe Memorul FORT CHARTRES STATE PARK The Slone Gateway Has Been Reconslrucled According to the Original Specifications In Randolph County near Frame du Rocher at the end of Slate Route J 55. (19.6 Acres.) At Fort Chartres, another of the early French and English fortresses guarding the farthest frontier in the 18th century, a unique method has been utilized to convey to the visitor a true impression of the appearance of the original Fort. In addition to the reconstruc- tion of the massive gateway and faithful re- production of some of the barracks build- ings to serve as custodian quarters and mu- seum, the parade ground has been excavated to a depth of several feet to expose the foundations of the original buildings. It re- quires but little stretch of the imagination to project those foundations to walls the height of the other buildings and to visualize the way Fort Chartres appeared over two centuries ago when it housed French troops, and a little later British Red Coats. The old- est building of its kind in the Middle West, the original powder magazine, dating back over two centuries, is still preserved to in- trigue the imagination of visitors. The stone fort was erected in 1753 and replaced two earlier log forts, the first of which was built in 1720. The fort was surrendered to the British in 1765, being the last given up by the French. Seven years later it was aban- doned after being overflowed by the Mis- sissippi River. A Museum n Housed in One of the Reconslrucled Barracks Biiihling i The Tivo-Cenlury-Old Powder Ho Slill Sl.i FORT MASSAC STATE PARK In Massac County near Aletrof)olis on U. S. Highway 4'J. (840 Acres.) At the river edge of Fort Massac State Park there stands a statue of George Rogers Clark looking out across the broad Ohio River to the Kentucky shore. Flanking the statue are these flagpoles from which wave the French Fleur-de-lis, the British Union Jack and the Stars and Stripes. Here in June 1778 Clark and his "Kentucky Long Knives" hid their canoes up Massac Creek, east of the then abandoned fort, setting out by foot for Kaskaskia. His bold action secured the Illinois country without a shot for the infant United States. The spot occupied by the original wood stockade fort has been exca\atcd by State archeologists and many interesting and informative relics have been uncovered. Posts outline the fort compound and buildings, and the surround- ing moat has been restored. In addition to its historic interest and natural beauty, visitors find adequate parking and picnic facilities with tables, fireplaces and shelters. The Sl.iliic "/ (, Looks Oul On Uhiu Rii^r Exeat Jlions of ihe Orif;/ru! Fori Buildings Hate Brought to Light Many liilerestiiig Relics Shelter House and General View of Fori Mjujc Stale Pari CAVE-IN-ROCK STATE PARK Heavily Wooded Slone Rner Bluffs Characterizes the Cave-In-Rock Area Seen From the Kentucky Shore, the Cave Is Merely a Shaded Portion of the Cliff Wall In Hardin Cotoity, near Cate-iii-Rock, State Route 1. (64.5 Acres.) The Illinois shore of the Ohio River at this point is a series of high, rocky for- bidding cliffs. The State Park area encom- passes a long stretch of these cliffs with picknicking and parking facilities on the flat, plateau-like area above it. The focal point of interest, however, is a deep hole in one of these cliffs facing out upon the Ohio River. Visitors penetrating this huge cave and mak- ing their way back 108 feet to the inner- most end where it widens out to a tre- mendous natural hall, might well shudder at the scenes of unbridled cruelty which could have been witnessed in that very spot o\er a century ago. Cave-In-Rock, from which the State Park receives its name, was once the lair of blood- thirsty river pirates who preyed upon the thriving Ohio river traffic, pillaging the freight boats of their cargoes and slaying the boatmen who attempted to defend their property. Later the notorious Harpe brothers used Cave-In-Rock as headquarters for their outlaw band which held the surrounding country in a grip of terror. Federal troops eventually captured the survivors of the gang in 1834 and the bloody history of Cave-In- Rock ended at that time. From the Interior of the Cave, a Beautiful Vista of the Ohio River and the Kentucky Shore Is Available IIF-V^ .,-^-7'_>- I a.*w, /I Suimming Pool Lies Amuiig Rock Outcroppings DIXON SPRINGS STATE PARK In Pope Count) between Vienna and Golconda between State Routes H5 and 146. (^91 Acres.) The ruggedness of the region around Golconda, situated on the southern slope of the Illinois Ozarks, is due in part to earth movements. Dixon Springs State Park is located on a giant block of rock which was dropped down two hundred feet along a fault line that extends across Pope County just to the north- west. Rapid erosion has produced fantastic rock formations and today towering beeches grow along Hills Branch. Formerly a health resort, the park has a number of medicinal springs. The entire area is extremely hilly, with rivulets everywhere cascading down the hillsides, forming more than 1,500 waterfalls of varying size and height. It was in this spot that the first camp of the 4-H Clubs in the Nation was established. Swimming in the new park pool is a popular activity. RED HILLS STATE PARK In Lawrence County between Sumner and Lawrenceville near V. S. Highway 30. (9-17 Acres.) A new lake of 43 acres is the most promi- nent feature of this park under development. Crossing the park is the boundary line of the first land in Illinois ceded by the Indians to General "Mad Anthony" Wayne at Greenville, Ohio, in 1795. Intersecting this line here is the old "Trace Road," once the principal route between Vincennes and St. Louis. BtJulijut Red Hitls I^ke Iiiiiles the Fisherman SHAWNEETOWN STATE MEMORIAL In Gallatin County at Shawnee- towti, State Route 73. (40 Acres.) Shawneetown, settled in the early part of the 19th century as a devel- opment of the ancient salt works, early achieved prominence as the gateway to the Illinois country. The teeming traffic of the Ohio River, bringing freight and passengers to settle the Midwest, passed through Shawneetown on the way to the great Middle Border. It was a group of Shawneetown bankers who, ac- cording to legend, turned down a loan of $1,000 to a group of Chicagoans on the grounds that "Chicago was too far away from Shawneetown ever to amount to anything." Shawneetown was built on the plains along the Ohio River where flooding was a yearly occurrence. Later on, levees were built which protected the town for many years. In 1937, however, a disastrous flood topped these levees and the town was moved back into the hills where it would be safe from future inundations. The memorial occupying the site of the original village preserves many of the landmarks, such as the imposing Bank Building and the historic Posey Building. ciou'yi Bank Building FERNE CLYFFE STATE PARK In Johnson County west of Goreville, near State Route 37. (149.4 Acres.) One of the newer Illinois State Parks is Feme Clyffe, acquired in 1949 to provide 'Greater Egypt" a State Park for recreational purposes. Principal attractions are two huge natural caves, cut by the action of water from solid sandstone. It is one of the most secluded spots in the State of Illinois, completely sur- rounded by huge trees and mam- moth cliffs and is exhilarating in its beauty. CeUitial Band Shell. Feme Clyffe r Norwegian Settlers' Monumeiii Tornh of Stephen A. Doiiglm in Chicago f. ILLINOIS Monmnents In addition to the lar^c State Parks and more important historical shrines described and illustrated on the preceding pages, Illmois is dotted from north to south and from east to west with memorials, monu- ments and markers commemorating im- portant people and events in the history of the State. In Chicago, for example, it is the impressive tomb of Stephen A. Douglas, "The Little Giant," who debated with Abra- ham Lincoln throughout Illinois in 1858. At Alton is the memorial to Elijah Parrish Lovejoy, abolitionist editor who lost his life at the hands of an infuriated mob as he defended the rights of a free press to cru- sade for a cause the editor believed right. Northeast of Ottawa, in LaSalle county, on State Route 71, is the little town of Norway where in 1834 Cleng Peerson founded the first permanent Norwegian settlement in the Middle West ... an event commemorated by the Norwegian Settlers' Memorial. And, some thirty-odd miles west of Norway, at Troy Grove on U. S. Highway 52 is the monument to one of the Nation's most noted law enforcement ofiftcers . . . Wild Bill Hickok, who was born in Troy Grove in 1837. Abraham Lincoln's imprint upon the State extends throughout its length and breadth. The seven Lincoln-Douglas De- bates are commemorated by markers or statues in Ottawa, Freeport, Jonesboro, md Memorials Charleston, Galesburg, Quincy and Alton. In Dixon, center of hostilities in the Black Hawk War, is the statue of Lincoln as a Captain of Volunteers in that war. Every event connected with Abraham Lincoln or the Lincoln family in Illinois is commemo- rated by some type of memorial. The dramatic history of Illinois and the great men who contributed to the develop- ment of this State are kept alive by these monuments and memorials. Tourists in Illinois and visitors from other States can trace the history of Illinois from its first discovery by the white man to its present stature through these memorials, monu- ments and markers. SITE OF THE LINCOLN CABIN THE LINCOLN CABIN STOOD NEAR THE NORTH BANK OF THE SANGAMON RIVER ABOUT 600 YARDS TO THE EAST I All Historic Memorials are A\arked hy Descripliie Plaques Such as This One Lincoln S/arue in Urhana The Lovejoy Monument in Alton The Sidle diptlul. Sejl of Government of the Slaw oj Illinois SPRINGFIELD.... State Capital of Illutois Springfield, in addit[on to being the seat of government for all of Illinois, likewise is a tourist objective with many points of interest. Dominating the entire city is the dome of the Capitol Building, a magnificent example of Nine- teenth Century public building architecture. Visitors are greeted in the rotunda by the bronze statue symbolizing Illinois' welcome to the world. On the second floor around the circular well beneath the dome are statues of numerous Gov- ernors of the State. On the third floor are the Legislative halls in which are debated and passed the laws that govern the citizens of Illinois . . . the Senate chambers to the north and the House of Representatives at the other end of the Capitol. On the fourth floor are the visitors' galleries, lodestones for tourists from all parts of the State who wish to see their own representatives in action. Below the dome the interior is a circular bas-relief frieze depicting scenes in the lives of pioneer settlers of Illinois. The State House grounds, beautifully landscaped with seasonal flowers bloom- ing throughout the spring and summer, are dotted with statues of Abraham Lincoln, Stephen A. Douglas, Pierre Menard, William H. Bissell, eleventh Governor of Illinois; John M. Palmer, fifteenth Governor of Illinois; Richard Yates, Civil War Governor of Illinois, and David E. Shanahan, famous Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives. The Centennial Building, south of the State House, commemorates the centenary of the admission of Illinois into the Union in 1818. The cornerstone was laid October 5, 1918, and the building was completed in July, 1923. On the first floor is magnificent Memorial Hall, on each side of whicih are displayed the flags of Illinois Regiments. At the east end is the Gold Star Mothers Memorial. On the third floor is the State Historical Library with Henry Horner Lincoln Room and the Alfred Whital Stern Room. The Illinois State Museum on the fifth floor is always an interesting place to visitors. Here are seen examples of the large animals once common to Illinois, the birds of the State, mineral, fossil and archeological collections, art displays, etc. At the southwest corner of the State House grounds is the State Archives Building completed in 1938 for the preservation of important state, county and municipal records and documents. Its special construction protects paper, ink and binding so well that it is the depositary for the U. S. Army Map Service and for the U. S. Department of the Interior topographical maps. To the west of the State House is the new State Ofince Building completed in 1955 with offices for over 2,500 state employees. Across Monroe Street to the north is the Armory, and just east of the Capitol is the Illinois Supreme Court Building. The Governor's Mansion is two blocks east and a block south of the Capitol. The Sangamon County Court House, in the center of the business district, was the building started in 1837 which served as the fifth Capitol of the State. This building is rich in Lincoln associations. It was here that he first took public issue with Stephen A. Douglas and where he made his famous "house divided against itself" speech. Numerous markers throughout the downtown section commemorate events in Lincoln's life. Springfield also is the site of the Lincoln Home and Lincoln Tomb described in the forepart of this book. New Sidle Office Building Cemennial Building :■ c— V NEW ILLINOIS LAKE STATE PARKS Seven lake areas administered hy the Division of Fisheries became state parks by action of the 69th General Assembly in 19^5. Now under the juris- diction of the Division of Parks and Memorials, they are being developed to offer family type of recreation. These new areas are Argyle Lake near Colchester, Beaver Dam south of Carlinville, Lake Le-Aqua-Na north of Lena, Lake Murphysboro northwest of Murphysboro, Ramsey Lake north of Ramsey, Spring Lake northwest of Manito, and W'eldon Springs southeast of Clinton. Several of these lakes are not new. Spring Lake is an old cut-off of the Illinois River, Bea\er Dam was originally created by beaver damming up a valley, and Weldon Springs was built as part of a chautauqua grounds. These parks and their lakes vary greatly in size. Spring Lake has over 1,000 acres with about half in water, Argyle Lake consists of 1,051 acres with 117 acres of lake, Lake Murphysboro has 905 acres with a lake of 165 acres, Ramsey Lake totals 815 acres and has a lake of 70 acres. Lake Le-Aqua-Na has 614 acres and its lake covers 47 acres. The acreage at Beaver Dam is 425 with 55 acres in water, and Weldon Springs is the smallest park with 119 acres and a lake of 35 acres. The new Henry County Lake and Wolf Lake are Conservation Areas and other lake sites are being acquired and developed. Part of the money for construction and improvement of the state park lakes comes from the Federal excise tax on fishing tackle under the Dingle- Johnson Act. An extensive program is underway in these properties and includes development of roads, water and sewage systems, building of shelter houses and parking and camping areas and the installation of playground equipment. As the lakes are completed, and become filled, they are planted to game fish by the Division of Fisheries which has control of the water areas. By occasional draw-downs, and other scientific procedures, excellent fishing is assured. The usual rules and regulations governing fishing in the state prevail in all of these lakes. To add to the pleasure of fishing, commodious docks have been built which provide space for the State-owned boats that are rented at a nominal fee and for private boats. Roads have been built around the lakes, making many good spots available for the pole and line fisherman. C./.z/i Aicc^M, B„.,t Docif .11 Murplniboro '■^R*?^ CO o CO H O H H CO H-l CO "^ -S = S i j|,*l =1.1 f!-;=^-il l|§°|°i|f!i||f "Illili^lHlls 5 _. s ^ i 5 i £ S 2uc!s 2 i i il 1 i 1 ^ s 1 ^ s g g g!^ ~ S S 2 3 2 giSiSig 2 1 3 1"^ § 3 Slo z s 1 £ S S £ 2 5 WHIRE AN EMPIM BEGRN ? Near the confluence of the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers is the spot where Father Jacques Marquette, Louis Jolliet and five un-named companions beached their canoes one August evening in 1673 to be the first white men known to have set foot upon Illinois soil. Undoubtedly Father Marquette's glow- ing reports of the Illinois country were based to a great extent upon his first impressions gained from this area . . . rolling, hilly, wooded country which gave promise of fulfilling every need of new settlers. Today Perc Marquette State Park is a favorite playground for thousands of Illinois residents. Today in the deep cavern in the face of the rocky cliff above the north bank of the Ohio River in Hardin County, footsteps and voices of visitors echo and re-echo as vacationers and tourists explore Cave-In-Rock, the focal point of interest in the State Park bearing its name. More than a century ago, however, it was the scene of cruelty and violence, when Cave- In-Rock was the lair of river pirates who preyed upon the thriving Ohio River traffic. Later on it was the headquarters of the notorious Harpe brothers and their outlaw band, until Federal troops captured the survivors of the gang in 1834. THE PIRATES DEN ? Mi THE IRST STAND Of WHITE PINES 1 When Illinois was first discovered by French explorers, white pine forests were common sights throughout the north- ern part of the state. The desirability of this timber for build- ing purposes resulted in logging operations which quickly de- nuded most of this forest land. One stand of white pines, how- ever, grew on top of high, rocky bluffs where logging opera- tions would have been too difficult and costly. The trees thus spared have been preserved for posterity in the State Park which bears the name White Pines Forest, a few miles west of Oregon, Illinois, in the beautiful Rock River valley. When Abraham Lincoln came to Illinois in 1830 and left home tc make his own fortune, he settled in New Salem, which in its prime had a population of approximately one hundred people. Here he lived from 1831 until 1837 and embarked upon his political career which was destined to end in the highest elective office in our national government. This village has been reconstructed in its entirety, with such flaw- less authenticity that it has every appearance of an age of more than a century. It is unquestionably the most impressive of all Memorials honoring the "Great Emancipator". THE llMCplM VILLAGE? DEVILS STAND TABLE ? In the heart of the Illinois Ozarks south of Carbondale is.the amazing geological area included within the limits of Giant City State Park. "Devil's Stand Table", a rock weighing many tons balanced on top of a slim pinnacle of stone, is but one of countless odd and interesting rock formations to be seen in this beautiful State Park. The canyons which give this park its name are a type not found elsewhere in the country . . . fissures as straight as streets laid out by surveyors, with sides as vertical as walls of skyscrapers. ... the result of some tremendous underground upheaval in the dim and distant past. UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS-UniANA