^wijiyii o^awgrnm-i v*'>i:nmfiim^tm- ' y V l\ ^ ¥ V ^ 10 TOURS m ,fc<^ ENJOY Your Vacation More by Visiting the Scenic and Historic Points of Interest IN ILLINOIS ai ''Vi^ S''llift€i(^ m^mmmmwm^ TRAVEL SCENIC HIGHWAYS TO NEW TOURING PLEASURE 1 H S TOURS in ILLINOIS A guide to the State Parks, Scenic Beauties, Historic Memorials, and Lincoln Shrines •f i i STATI I OF ILLINOIS HENRY HORNER, Governor i i i ILLINOIS DEVELOPMENT COUNCIL MILBURN P. A K E R S , Executive Secretary SPRINGFIELD, ILLINOIS (Printd I7 li (tliority o\ tlic Sutj 0/ Illinots) 1 1 SCENIC AND HISTORIC ILLINOIS Illinois possesses a wealth of scenic beauty and many memorials to important historic events which took place within its borders. From the time of the earliest French explorers, the territory which is now the State of Illinois was famed for the fertility of Its soil, the beauty of its hills and valleys, its dense forests, and abimdant plant and animal life. Three nations fought for possession of Illinois, and the spots where con- flicts took place, and where new settlements were made, are marked today by memorials and reconstructions. Although named the "Prairie State," the north, west, and south portions of Illinois offer the beauties of hills and bluffs, in places almost mountainous in appearance, to the traveler who "will seek them out. THE LINCOLN SHRINES IN ILLINOIS Abraham Lincoln not only spent most of his life in Illinois, but the years he spent here were the important formative period from early manhood to maturity. The spirit of Illinois which has brought it to its present important position among the states of the Union, exerted its influence upon the young Lincoln, just as the example of Abraham Lincoln has furnished an inspiration to Illinoisans through the years. It can truly be said that in Illinois "Lincoln's Spirit lives eternally," for the memorrds to him are living memorials, reflecting the true humble greatness of the Man himself as do no others. New Salem, "The Lincoln Village," and the home of Abraham Lincoln in Springfield, both appear just as they did when Lincoln lived there. The Lincoln Tomb in Springfield is a hallowed shrine in the hearts of all Americans. Statues and markers throughout the State attest the reverence in which his memory is held. Illinois welcomes all Americans to the Lincoln Shrines in the State to experience a new realization of Abraham Lincoln the Man. TO TOURISTS USING THIS BOOK Ten separate tours are shown on the following pages. Each includes visits to many State Parks and points of interest. Visitors entering Illinois on any important highway will encoimter one or more of the tours outlined. The complete tour will afford interesting one- or two-day trips and will prove revelations to visitors from other states. One portion of a tour will provide a delightful sidetrip for those who may be on a more hurried trip, and, in such cases the scenic route shown is usually only a few miles longer than the shortest direct route. For Illinois residents, the tours provide interesting weekend trips, exploring the beauties of their own State. If all the tours are taken, every important point of interest in the State will be visited. A complete tour of Illinois, taking in every point of interest in the State, is shown on page 17. This entire trip can be made easily in a week, but for more complete enjoy- ment of the facilities for recreation and pleasure at many of the State Parks, a stopover of several days at certain points is recommended, providing a pleasurable vacation in Illinois lasting two weeks or longer. f Pa(/C Tzvo 1 °^^^24 (20Q84)— 200M— 5-40 X.^ ^^-^ Chicago ''Wonder City of the World" Cook County, on hake Michigan. On Tours 1, 4 and 5. Wonder City indeed! In little more than a century, Chicago has grown from a lusty infant town to a modern metropolis, center of trade, manufacturing, transportation, finance, education, and culture. In three generations it has overtaken and passed scores of cities older, more firmly established. Today Chicago strides forward to new accomplishments, secure in its position as the second city of the Nation, eighth city of the world. As befits a young city, Chicago likes to play , and recre- ational facilities have always been an important consid' eration of those who planned for Chicago's progress. Parks, playgrounds, beaches, golf courses, bridle paths, and picnic grounds are here in abundance for visitor and resident alike. Broad boulevards criss-cross the city, and over them private motor cars, taxicabs, and motorbuses pass through parks, between the canyon-like walls of skyscrapers, and through beautiful residential sections. Museums house treasures of Art, Science, Industry, History and Archeol- ogy. Conservatories, zoos and aquaria display exotic plants and strange animal and marine life. Huge manufacturing plants vs^elcome visitors to view the intricate processes w^hich give to the world machinery, farm implements, clothing, food products, and all manner of manufactured articles. Chicago, "Wonder City of the World!" Only by visiting this midwest metropolis can the infinite variety of Its facilities to amuse, entertain, and educate visitors be fully appreciated. FiimcJ SIcylinc o/MicIu'grtu Boultwri? fj t. G ^. Field Museum ofhliUural History One of Chicago's Many Fine Bcaehes [ Pac/c Three ] MISSISSIPPI PALISADES STATE PARK Carroll County, on State Highway 80. 785 acres. On Tours 1 and 3. Bordering the Mississippi River on its eastern bank, majestic columns of lime- stone rise from the narrow floodplain towering over the winding highway skirting their bases for miles at the northern end of Illinois. Near the center of this colonnaded strip is the entrance to Mississippi Palisades State Park, 785 acres devoted to recre- ational purposes. Here are preserved all the natural beauties of the rocky heights, wooded ravines, caves, strange rock formations, and old Indian trails which feature the region. From the parking and recreational area inside the park entrance, well-marked footpaths, following the trails worn smooth by the moccasined feet of the Indians, lead to the cool depths of ravines carved deep into the hills, and to the topmost pinnacles of the Palisades themselves, from which commanding views of the surrounding countryside spread out before the eyes of the visitor. The redmen who once were undisputed rulers of this region can never be forgotten by visitors to Missis- sippi Palisades State Park. Indian mounds are numerous throughout the Park, where arrow heads, pottery, and other relics are frequently found. Even Nature has con- tributed an eternal memorial to the Indians — Indian Head Rock, a natural rock formation bearing a startling re- semblance to the profile of a stern Indian chieftain. Bob Upton's cave, where the white youth lay hidden for days while the marauding Indians searched for him that they might complete their grim work of wiping out an entire settlement, is one of the many points of interest in the Park to intrigue the imagination of the visitor. Add a profusion of wild natural beauty and inter- esting geological formation, and you have the picture of the delights which await you at Mississippi Palisades State Park. View from Bob Uptoi\'s Cave [ Page Four ] Looking JS[drtK from Scntmcl Tnii F0XL4KE (J^W»UKES*M ORCtT LtKES SCtLE MILES STATE PARKS AND POINTS OF INTEREST 1. Illinois Dunes Park 2. Cham O'Lakes State Park 3. Spring Grove Fish Hatchery 4. Apple River Canyon State Park 5. General U. S. Grant's Home 6. Mississippi Palisades State Park 7. White Pines Forest State Park 8. Black Hawk Statue' 9. Camp Grant Tour Number 1 Scenic Northern Illinois, jrom Chicago to Galena and return. 430 miles round trip Northern Illinois, with its many lakes offering all manner of summer sports, beckons the motor- ist. This tour passes through beautiful scenery, over splendid roads, and takes the tourist to every important point of interest in the northern part of the State. Starting at Chicago, the towering sk7scrapers of the "Loop" are left behind as State Highway 42 is followed north on Lake Shore Drive, through Lincoln Park, the beautiful north shore suburbs, and along the bluffs lining Lake Michigan. Fort Sheridan and the Great Lakes Naval Training Station are directly on the route followed and visitors are welcome to drive through the grounds and to witness parades and drills at times when they are in progress. Passing through the busy city of Wau- kegan, the first Park to be visited is Illinois Dunes Park, just north of Zion. After spending as much time as desired in this beauty spot, the tour is continued by returning south a short distance to State Highway 173. Proceed west on 173 to Antioch, State Highway 59 to Fox Lake, and right on U. S. Highway 12 to Chain O'Lakes State Park. Here 3,200 acres are being developed for recreational purposes, and already facilities are provided which make this park extremely popular with visitors whose tastes run to water sports, hiking and picnicking. A short distance along on U. S. 12, is the Spring Grove Fish Hatchery, one of several throughout the State where millions of fish are hatched annually to replenish the rivers, streams and lakes of Illinois for the benefit of sportsmen. Continuing through the beautiful Illinois Land of Lakes region to Richmond, turn left on State Highway 173 to U. S. Highway 51, right on U. S. 51 to State Highway 75 and left on 75 to Free- port. At Freeport, take U. S. Highway 20 west to the intersection of State Highway 78 and turn right to Apple River Canyon State Park. (For description see page 6.) After visiting Apple River Canyon, return south on 78 to U. S. 20, and continue west to Galena, where is located General U. S. Grant's home (also described on page 6 ). The next point of interest is Mississippi Palisades State Park, reached by returning from Galena on U. S. 20 to the intersection of State Highway 80, and following this beautiful drive along the cliff-lined bank of the Mississippi River to the entrance of the park. (For features of Mississippi Palisades State Park, see page 4. ) From the park, the tour continues south on Highway 80 to Savanna, where the return to Chicago is begun on U. S. Highway 52 east. White Pines Forest State Park and the beautiful drive along the Rock River Valley are the next stopping places. Continuing east and southeast on U. S. 52, at Polo turn left on the unnumbered, well-surfaced secondary road to White Pines Forest State Park (described on page 8). From this park, the tour continues east to State Highway 2 at Oregon. Following 2 north, the road leads through the beautiful scenery of the hilMined Rock River valley, past the Black Hawk Statue (see page 8) and Camp Grant, the World War cantonment now used by the Illinois National Guard for a training camp, to Rockford, third largest city in Illinois, and important manufacturing and industrial center of northern Illinois. At Rockford, turn east on U. S. Highway 20 and continue on 20 through Belviderc, Marengo, Elgin, and the western suburbs of Chicago to the starting point. Visitors to Illinois passing through from east to west, or west to east, may follow either the north or south section of this tour on their way across the State, and will find much of interest on either route. [ Pane Five ] APPLE RIVER CANYON STATE PARK Jo Daviess County, south and west of Warren near State Highway 78. 155 acres. On Tours 1 and 3. KocVy Gorge oj Ai^^lc Kwa Winding Apple River threads its "way through the State Park bearing its name, between the massive limestone walls of the canyon cut by the ceaseless flow of the river's waters during the centuries. The visitor may follow the water's edge for miles along footpaths through the canyons and ravines, securing closeup views of the strata of rock forming the canyon walls and of the mosses and shrubs which give a colorful appearance to the rocky surface in places. A large parking area, camp grounds, convenient shelters, and a large picnic area in the center of the park are provided. Well-marked footpaths lead in all directions, into the ravines and canyons, and to the tops of the surrounding hills, from which is seen the highest point in Illinois, Charles Mound, 1241 feet above sea level. Apple River is a clean stream, well- stocked with crappies, bullheads, sunfish, catfish, pike, bass, and pickerel. U. S. GRANT HOME AT GALENA On U. S. Highway 20. On Tours 1 and 3 Galena, in the middle of the nineteenth century, a prosperous city in the busy lead mining territory sur- rounding it, is in one of the hiUiest sections of Illinois. General U. S. Grant lived in Galena at the start of the Civil War, and returned there in triumph at the close of the struggle. Today, many memorials to General Grant greet the visitor, the one of principal interest being the home which the citizens of Galena presented to him in 1865, which IS preserved with many of the original furnishings. Among the heirlooms which are exhibited in the home are a large arm chair which was Grant's favorite seat in the White House, the family china, military trophies, much of the original furniture, and the carriage which General Grant used in Wash- ington during his presidency. Wmding Apple Rwcr [ Page Six ] Hi)Mu- I'f Giiiiriil U. S". GniHi Jiikrior ('/ Giiiiil i Home Tour Number 2 Through north central Illinois. 252 miles round trip. Starting at the Wisconsin border, on one of the well-traveled north-south highways, this tour is intersected by three main trans-continental highways — U. S. Highway 20 at Rockford, U. S. Highway 30 at Dixon, and U. S. Highway 6 at LaSalle and Ottawa. It affords an interesting side trip for visi' tors passing through Illinois, and for residents of Illinois who desire to learn more of the beauties of their own State. Four important State Parks are on this tour, and the highways followed pass through some of the most beauti- ful scenery in the State. Starting at the Wisconsin border, State Highway 2 is followed south, through Rockford, past Camp Grant and along the beau- tiful Rock River. Between Rockford and Dixon, the motorist encounters scenery of remarkable natural beauty, and picturesque small town scenes in the old cities of Oregon and Grand Detour. Just north of Oregon, on the opposite side of the river, is the statuesque figure of an Indian, typifying the redmen who once roamed this country. but commonly known as the "Black Hawk Statue." At Oregon, a short side trip takes the visitor to White Pines Forest State Park (for description see page 8). Returning to Highway 2, the tour continues southeast along the Rock River Vallev to Dixon, where stands the statue of Abraham Lincoln as a soldier in the Black Hawk War. At Dixon, turn left on U. S. Highway 30 to its junction with U. S. 52, and continue on U. S. 52 to Mendota, where the tour turns south on U. S. Highway 51. A few miles south of Mendota, just a short distance east on U. S. 52 at the point where 51 and 52 separate, is the statue marking the birthplace of "Wild Bill Hickok," famous western sheriff of the past century. Returning to U. S. Highway 5 1 , continue south to LaSalle and turn east on State Highway 71, to visit Starved Rock State Park (see page 12) and cross the river at Ottawa to see Buffalo Rock State Park (page 11). From Ottawa, a short drive east on U. S. Highway 6 takes you to Marseilles, where, by crossing the bridge over the Illinois River, lUini State Park is reached (see page 11). From Ottawa, turn north on State Highway 23, and pause at Shabonna Statue Monument 16 miles north. Continue on 23 toDeKalb, thenU. S. 330 to the intersection with U. S. Highway 51, and then north to Rockford where State Highway 2 leads north to the Wisconsin State Line. STATE PARKS AND POINTS OF INTEREST 1. Camp Grant 2. Black Hawk Statue 3. White Pines Forest State Park 4. Lincoln Monument 5. Wild Bill Hickok Monument 6. Starved Rock State Park 1. Buffalo Rock State Park 8. Illmi State Park 9. Shabbona Monument [ Page Seven WHITE PINES FOREST STATE PARK Ogle Comity, nine miles ivest of Oregon, between State Highivay 2 and U. S. Highway 32. 315 acres. On Tours 1, 2, 3 and 4- In a setting of great natural beauty, stately pines rear their heads skyward, secure forever from the woodsmen's axes w^hich rendered the white pine nearly extinct in the Middle West. The rocky bluffs which made logging operations too difficult to make the cutting of these trees a practical matter today are as inviting to the vacationist as they were forbidding to the logging crews. In the hill-enclosed valley are a modern lodge, parking space, picnic area, and rental log cabins for overnight visitors. Beautiful Pine Creek winds through the valley, crossing and recrossing the motor road. Intriguing footpaths lead to the innermost recesses, "where the real loveliness of the scenery is revealed. At carefully chosen sites along the paths are picnic shelters and outdoor fireplaces. This area, one of the most popular picnicking areas in northern Illinois, preserves the southernmost stand of white pines in the middle west. The pines, some of which reach a height of ninety to one hundred feet, with a diameter of two-and-a-half feet, tower over the many varities of hard- wood trees which mingle -with them. THE BLACK HAWK STATUE On the Rock River, Jour miles north of Oregon. On Tours 1, 2, 3 and 4- Standing out in sharp contrast to the green of the treeclad hill upon which it stands, the so-called Black Hawk Statue greets the eyes of motorists driving in either direction along State Highway 2 on the west bank of the Rock River, one of the most interesting scenic drives in Illinois. Convenient parking places are found along the highway where visitors may pause to view the statue. It is one of the most famous of the many works of Lorado Taft, noted American sculptor. Originally intended to typify the redmen who once roamed the valley, it has become commonly known as the Black Hawk Statue. It is constructed of concrete, and rises forty-eight feet from its base, which is sunk far into the bluff overlooking the flowing waters of the Rock River. Tra-Eiklasul Viillc7 flt Wliilc Puics Varcst \ Suuly AloikirJi o/ tilt FoiY.st The Black Hauik Statm [ Page Eight ] W I S C N S I N ROCK ISLAND 5 STATE PARKS AND POINTS OF INTEREST 1. Cjcncral U. S. Grant's Home 2. Mississippi Palisades State Park 3. RcKk Island Arsenal 4. Black Hawk State Park 5. Fort Armstrong Block House 6. Black Hawk Statue 1. White Pines Forest State Park 8 . Apple River Canyon State Park SCALE MILES Tour Number 3 Through northwest Illinois, over the scenic highways to points of interest and State Parks. 313 miles round trip. As is the case of all the tours in this book, the starting point may be any place on the route which is most accessible to the motorist. Solely for the sake of continuity, the tour directions begin north- west of Galena on U. S. Highway 20 where this road enters Illinois from the west. The first point of interest is the home of General U. S. Grant in Galena (Described on page 6). After stopping at the Grant Home, continue on U. S. 20 to the intersection of State Highway 80, and turn south. The scenery along this entire route, from the bank of the Mississippi at the beginning of the tour, to the southern end of the trip causes one to wonder how Illinois ever gained the nickname 'The Prairie State," for the highway passes through an endless succession of hills and bluffs. The lofty columns of rock which give the Mississippi Palisades region its name, introduce to the southbound motorist the beauties in store for him at Mississippi Palisades State Park, a few miles south of the point where Highway 80 i s taken. (See page 4 for description ) . From Mississippi Palisades State Park, continue south on State Highway 80, through Savanna and Fulton to Campbell's Island State Park, six miles east of Moline. Here a recreational area is provided and a monument has been erected as a memorial to the sixteen Americans who were killed here when Indians attacked three river boats bound for the relief of Fort Shelby during the War of 1812. At Moline, leave Highway 80 and take State Highway 2 to Black Hawk State Park at Rock Island (described on page 14). Rock Island is the point of entry to Illinois of U. S. Highway 6, one of the important trans-continental highways crossing Illinois. Another point of interest at Rock Island IS the United States Arsenal on Rock Island, and the reconstruction of the block house of Fort Arm- strong at the west end of the island. Return on State Highway 2, along the Rock River valley, through Sterling and Dixon, to the Black Hawk Statue, a few miles north of Oregon. (See page 8 for description of the Black Hawk Statue.) Between Sterling and Dixon, U. S. Highway 30 markers are also shown on State Highway 2. This portion of the route is also through wooded hilly country bordering the Rock River. Return on State Highway 2 to Oregon, and turn west on the well-surfaced secondary road leading to White Pines Forest State Park, nine miles west. (See page 8 for description.) Continue west from White Pines Forest to Polo, turning right on State Highway 26. At the junction of State Highways 26 and 72, two optional routes are shown. You may continue on 26 to Freeport to U. S. Highway 20, or turn left on 72, then right on 73 to U. S. 20. Whichever route is followed, turn left on U. S. 20 to the intersection of State Highway 78 to the entrance of Apple River Canyon State Park, a few miles north. This is the last stop on the tour if it was begun northwest of Galena, and is a State Park of great natural beauty and holding much of interest for visitors. (For description, see page 6.) From Apple River Canyon, return on State Highway 78 to U. S. 20, and then west and north- west on U. S. 20 to the starting point. [ Page Nine ] ILLINOIS RIVER VALLEY POINTS OF INTEREST Will, Grundy and LaSalle Counties, on U. S. Highway 6. On Tours 2, 4 and 5. The Illinois River Valley is noted for its scenic beauty along its entire length. But the region between Joliet and LaSalle offers the most to visitors in the way of specific points of interest. The first State Park to be encountered after leaving Joliet on U. S. Highway 6, is the Illinois and Michigan Canal State Parkway, just outside the towm of Chan- nahon. Here one of the original locks of the hundred-year-old Illinois and Michigan Canal has been restored, and is the center of the State Parkway bearing its name. The moss-covered stone walls of the lock, and the massive timber gates, operated by hand, present a picturesque appearance. A dam, which diverted the water of the Desplaines River to afford ample depth of water in the old canal, retards the flow and the foaming flood of water pouring over the top adds to the beauty of the surroundings. Directly across the highway from the entrance to the park, is the Towpath Drive, a narrow, one-way road along the top of the dike separating the canal on the right from the river on the left. Frequent turn-offs are provided so that motorists may pause to enjoy the beautiful scenery without interfering with traffic. A profusion of bird and animal life is seen as one makes his way slowly along the drive, for, except for the presence of motor cars, the surroundings show no evidence of modern life. In sharp contrast to the tiny locks of the old canal, are the huge dams and locks forming the Illinois Waterway. Visitors are permitted to cross the dams to witness the operation of the locks, and the ever increasing traffic on the w^aterway assures the visitor that he will seldom need to wait long to see a string of barges pass through the locks. Picnic Area at Gchhard Woods Par [ Page Ten ] At Morris, still another State Park welcomes visitors. Just outside of town is Gebhard Woods State Park, a delightful wooded valley with parking area, shelter houses, and fireplaces. Paths lead along the bank of one of the small streams which flow into the Illinois river, and, at the junction of the stream with the Illinois and Michigan Canal, is seen a marvel of engineering for the period in which the canal was constructed. The canal at this point is higher than the level of the stream, and a steel trough carries the water of the canal over the stream. On the south bank of the Illinois River is Illini State Park, near Marseilles. Four hundred and six acres in area, it is a popular picnicking and hiking area, with parking space, shelters, tables, and fireplaces toaffordenjoyabledaysforvisitorsout in theopen. Just west of Ottawa, on the north bank of the Illinois River, rises the huge bulk of Buffalo Rock. The motor road winds up around the face of the rock itself to the parking and recreation area on the plateau above. Ascending the road, the fissured face of the rocky bluff is clearly seen, with its crevices affording shelter for swallows' nests and filled with mosses and lichens in places, giving it a veiled appearance. From the recreation area, footpaths lead in every direction, along the face of the rock where the view^ looks down on the river far below, and through cool, heavily wooded areas to the farthest-most extremities of the park, where shelter houses afford a resting place before the return trip is made. Safety is assured visitors by the fences which have been constructed along the edge of the bluff wherever any element of danger would otherwise be present. Old Lock of Illinois ani MuIh^itu CiiwI Bii^iilo Rotlc/rcnn tlic Illinois River [ Page Eleven ] STARVED ROCK STATE PARK LaSalle County, between Ottawa and LaSalle on State Highway 71 . 1148 acres. On Tours 2, 4 and 5. Towering high above the Illinois River between LaSalle and Ottawa, Illinois, stands the huge bulk of Starved Rock, center of interest in one of Illinois' most popular State Parks. Its sinister name is derived from an incident in 1769, when a band of Illinois Indians, pursued by their enemies, the Pottawattomies, took refuge on its summit, where, unable to secure food or vs^ater, they perished rather than surrender. Nearly a hundred years before, in 1673, Father Marquette and Louis Joliet had been the first white men to set eyes upon the fortress'like formation, and in 1683, LaSalle authorized the construction of Fort St. Louis du Rocher on its com- manding height. Recently, during the dredging operations on the Illinois waterway below, an ancient brass cannon, thought to be one from this fort, was recovered from the river bed. The entire area of Starved Rock State Park is rocky, wooded and furrowed with deep canyons and fern-filled ravines inviting to visitors for their beauty and geological interest. Visitors delight in exploring them to their farthest extremities. Some of the larger, more readily accessible canyons are equipped with well defined footpaths, stairs at the points of more difficult ascent, and bridges to cross the brooks which make their way along the canyon beds. The smaller ones, particularly at the river's edge, offer more exciting exploration, for some are reached only by penetrating through heavily wooded terrain, covered with a luxuriant growth of underbrush. The park facilities offer the most complete accommodations to be foimd in any Illinois State Park. A hotel, restaurant, swimming pool, dance pavilion, souvenir shop, and children's playground are in the area near the base of Starved Rock. On a bluff to the south is a camping ground with modern conveniences, including shelter house r Paqc with shower baths, hot and cold water, and rest rooms. Numerous excursion boats Tzvclvc ] are operated from nearby docks, to take visitors up the river to see many features not visible nor accessible from land. SlarvcA Rock Towers Over tfic Riwr In tlic Dcptlis 0^ Frcncli Canyon Pulfit Rock, One ofMany OJJ Fontiatioiis View of Horseshoe Canyon mm Tour Number 4 Chicago to Rock Island and return, visiting eight State Parks, and many points of interest en route. 366 miles round trip. w I S C N S k 1 U L N s j .^ ) 1 ^ J o/w>UKCGAN "- ■L ,FflECPOBT jTrockforo 1 Xmiohlamo '- \i « ( iT^ T -^2^ / ELGIN \w)NNETK ^ilmetteOV SCALE MILES r^ I3J 12 STATE PARKS AND POINTS OF INTEREST 1. Black Hawk Statue 2. White Pines Forest State Park 3. Lincoln Monument 4. Rock Island Arsenal 5. Fort Armstrong Block House 6. Black Hawk State Park 7. Starved R(«;k State Park 8. Buffalo Rock State Park 9. Illmi State Park 10. Gebhard Woods State Park 11. Towpath Drive 12. Illinois and Michigan Canal State Park 13. Stateville Penitentiary From Chicago's "Loop," U. S. Highway 20 leads west over Washington Boulevard, through Garfield Park and the western suburbs to Elgin. At Elgin, take State Highway 72 to Byron and turn left on State Highway 2. Following the Rock River, the Black Hawk Statue appears in view atop a bluff on the opposite shore. A few miles south, at Oregon, turn right on the well-surficed secondary road to White Pines Forest State Park, nine miles west. (For descriptions of Black Hawk Statue and White Pines Forest, see page 8.) Continue west from White Pines Forest to Polo, and turn left on U. S. Highway 52 to Dixon. Here the statue of Lincoln as a soldier in the Black Hawk War and the Dixon Block House are inter- esting memorials. From Dixon, State Highway 2 continues along the beautiful Rock River valley, through Sterling and Fulton to Moline, where a short side trip right on State Highway 80, takes the motorist to the Mississippi River and Campbell's Island State Park. Returning on Highway 80 to 2, continue to Rock Island and Black Hawk State Park (described on page 14). At Rock Island, also see the Government Arsenal on Rock Island, and the block house of Fort Armstrong at the western end of the island. Retrace State Highway 2 to the intersection of U. S. Highway 6, and follow U. S. 6 to LaSalle, where State Highway 71 crosses the river to Starved Rock State Park (see page 12). From this point to Joliet, numerous State Parks and points of interest await the traveler. (For descriptions of the beauty spots in this section of the Illinois River valley, see pages 10 and 1 1). At Ottawa, return to the north side of the Illinois River, for a visit to Buffalo Rock State Park, just west of town. Then contmue along U. S. Highway 6 to Marseilles, and cross the river to Illmi State Park. Returning to U. S. 6, the next State Park is Gebhard Woods, on the outskirts of Morris, and from here, U. S. 6 contmues to Channahon, where is located the Illinois and Michigan Canal State Park. At this point, by "back-tracking" a short distance, the motorist can enjoy one of the most beautiful drives in the State. Across the highway from the entrance to Illinois and Michigan Canal State Park, Tow^path Drive branches off in the opposite direction. After taking Towpath Drive, return to U. S. 6 at any one of the many connecting roads, con- tinue to Joliet and take U. S. Highway 66 to Chicago. Just north of Joliet are the grim walls of State- ville, the new State Penitentiary which supplanted the fortress-like Joliet Penitentiary which is located on Collins Street in Joliet. At Brookfield Zoo, in the southwestern suburb of Chicago bearing that name, visitors may visit one of the largest and most complete zoos in the ■world, ■s^'hose fame attracts thousands of visitors from every state in the Union. From Brookfield, numerous well-marked highways lead into Chicago, the starting point. [ Paf/c Thirteen ] Commanding View from Black Hawk's Wauh Tower BLACK HAWK STATE PARK Rock Island Comity, adjoining Rock Island on State Highway 2. 200 acres. On Tours 3 and 4- The oldest recreational area in the middle west, wath a rich historic background, and encompassing 200 acres of beautiful natural scenery is found at Black Hawk State Park. From time immemorial, the space occupied by the park was used by the Indians as a recreational and ceremonial area. Council houses occupied the sites of present day shelter houses, and the moccasined feet of Indians wore bare the footpaths which now lead visitors to scenes of restful beauty. Chief Black Hawk was bom in the village which once stood within the limits of the park, and Indian lore surrounds the entire vicinity. Housed in a native stone structure in the center of the park is the famous Hauberg collection of Indian relics. The rocky and ridged formation of the terram, inviting to the exploring footsteps of visitors, was equally forbidding to farming operations, and this accounts for the untouched appearance of the land- scape. The highest point in the park is the Watch Tower, where visitors look out over the surroimding countryside, once ruled by Black Haw^k and his fore- fathers. This hill is the center for rest and recreation, with a lodge "s\'here food may be obtained. At the river bank near the east end of the park is another recreation area, with parking space, shelter house, refreshment stand, fully equipped picnic grounds with benches, tables and fireplaces, comfort facilities and a boat dock. Trails lead from these two areas to all sections of the Park and to hewn timber shelters \lc-i\ Bluffs Ri\-- fi'm tlu- on hill crests. ' Water's Ugc Wi f:c ;'^H 1 %'^flp ~t\ ^^^^^^^i MBM wKmi < i J;'; .'^^^^^1 w ^^ ^j^^M^j^l HI wMjsm^ [ Page Fourteen \ Tour Number 5 Chicago to Spriyigfield and re- turn, by way oj beautiful scenic drives, State Parks, Lincoln Shrines, and points of historic interest. 635 miles round trip. From Chicago, U. S. Highway 66 leads tojoliet, where U. S. Highway 6, one of the most beautiful drives in the State, branches off to the west. At Channahon, on the right of the highway IS the entrance to the Illmois and Mich- igan Canal State Park, with the en- chanting Towpath Drive leading off in the opposite direction on the other side of the road. (For descriptions of these and the following beauty spots in this section of the Illinois Ri\er valley, see pages 10 and 11.) Towpath Drive con- nects Channahon and Morris, where U. S. Highway 6 is again taken. Geb- hard Woods State Park is at Morris, and at Marseilles, it is only necessary to cross the bridge to the south side of the river to reach lUini State Park. From Mar- seilles, U. S. Highway 6 continues to Ottawa, and here, on the north bank of the Illinois River is Buffalo Rock State Park, just west of town. The road contmues along the river, past Starved Rock Lock and Dam, to the highway bridge leading across to Starved Rock State Park. (For description see page 12.) Continuing along U. S. 6, at Peru, turn left on State Highway 29, lead- ing south amid beautiful scenery to Peoria. Here a short side trip, west on U. S. Highway 150, takes the visitor to Jubilee College State Park, where are restored the buildings ofjubilee College, built in 1839 — typical examples of beautiful early nineteenth century architecture, constructed of golden lime- stone with slender windows of leaded glass. Returning through Peoria, stop at the site marked by a memorial where, in 1680 La Salle erected Fort Crevecoeur. Located on one of the high bluffs along the river, the position affords a commanding view of the valley and river below. Fifteen miles northeast of Peoria, on State Highway 116, is Metamora Court House, built in 1845, where Abraham Lincoln and other distinguished pioneers practiced law. State Highway 29 continues south to the junction with State Route 119. Turn west and follow 119 to its junction with State Highway 10, and continue straight to the Horner Tree Nursery where the reforestation work of the Illinois Depart- ment of Conservation is graphically illustrated by the rows upon rows of seedlings which will be transplanted to reforest denuded areas of the State, and to beautify the parkways lining Illinois highways. Return on State Highway 10, following it to Mason City, where Highway 29 is followed south to the junction with State Highway 123. This leads directly to New Salem, "The Lincoln Village," most impressive of all Lincoln Memorials. (For description see page 18.) Highw^ay 123 continues south, leading into State Highway 97, which leads to Springfield, the State Capital, with its many points of interest, the Lincoln Home and Tomb, the State House, and other State buildings. U. S. Highway 66 leads northeast out of Springfield, and at Elkhart, turn right to visit Mt. Pulaski Court House, where Abraham Lincoln fought many legal battles. State Highway 121 continues southeast through Decatur to Mattoon, where a state fish hatchery is located southwest of town. From Mattoon, turn east on Route 16 to Charleston and then south on State Highway 130 to Fox Ridge State Park and Lincoln Log Cabin State Park. Returning to Chicago, retrace 130 to 16, and turn right to the junction with State Highway 49, north on 49 to Ogden, and west on U. S. Highway 150 to Champaign and Urbana, where the Uni- versity of Illinois IS located. From this point, turn north on U. S. 45 to Kankakee, where State Highway 49 is followed into Chicago. STATE PARKS AND POINTS OF INTEREST 1. Stateville Penitentiary 2. I. and M. Canal Park 3. Gebhard Woods Park 4. lilini State Park 5. Buffalo Rock State Park 6. Starved Rock State Park 7. Sparland Public Shoot- ing Grounds 8. Woodford Co. Public Shooting Grounds 9. Jubilee College Park 10. Metamora Court House 11. Fort Crevecoeur Monument 12. Horner Tree Nursery 13. New Salem State Park 14. Lincoln Home 15. Lincoln Tomb 16. State Capitol 17. Mt. Pulaski Court House 18. Mattoon Fish Hatchery 19. Fox Ridge State Park 20. Lincoln Log Cabin Park 21. University of Illinois 22. 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V to E CO S z uy 'c CJ c '0 '0 _> 'E =3 Q. ti a. ro j£ u c E 3 c 3 > 0) CJ 13 CO - CM fo >* s 10 t^ 00 en CM Cvj CM CM m CM CM in CM CO CM CM 00 CM cn CM CO m CM CO [ Page Sixteen ] STATE- WIDE TOUR OF ILLINOIS See Opposite Page For Index to Points of Interest Indicated by Numbers [ Page Seventeen ] M ^>---'-^Hf ■■«*a.^ Liiu-i'!ii-B;?-i-v Si.'c; i***^ JntiTiLir i^j LiiiLohi-BviT)' Si.M-c NEW SALEM STATE PARK ''THE LINCOLN VILLAGE" Menard County, on State Highway 123. 225 acres. On Tours 5, 6, and 8 Most impressive of all Lincoln Memorials is reconstructed New Salem, "The Lincoln Village." Located twenty miles northwest of Springfield, the frontier village where the young Lincoln spent his six formative years from 1831 until 1837, presents an appearance of age which takes the visitor back a hundred years and more, when Illinois was the farthest western frontier of the Nation. It was at New Salem that Lincoln clerked in a store, chopped wood, enlisted in the Black Hawk War, served as postmaster, deputy surveyor, and legislator, studied law by the light of the cooper's shavings, and courted Ann Rutledge. Years of research revealed the exact site of every building in the original village, the size and construction of each, and how the cabins were furnished. It was not until every detail of construction which would achieve faultless authenticity had been determined that actual building was begun. In 1932 the corner stone of the first build- ing to be reconstructed, the Lincoln-Berry Store, was laid, and today, twenty buildings, all but one of log construction, occupy the exact positions upon which stood the originals. One of the buildings is the original structure, the Henry Onstott Cooperage, but so faithful are the other buildings in their construction, that they appear little, if any, different from the original. The primitive road leads past the rude log dwellings to the commons across which the Lincoln-Berry Store faces the Rutledge tavern. The buildings are furnished with many original pieces of the period, and even the gardens in front of the cabins are planted with historical authenticity. In the gar- dens of the homes of the two doctors in the village, herbs are again being grown. Adjacent to the village is a museum housing an interesting collection of Lincoln relics PaghMightccin tledgt Tavern Home fliui Coo^vnigi: of Henry Onstott ^.S^S£^,-; and articles associated with the history of New Salem collected over a period of many years from descendents of the original village. The parking area is hidden by trees and shrubs so that no sign of modern accom- modations is visible from the village. Nearby is a picnic area with tables, benches, and fireolaces. At the foot of the hill is the Wagon Wheel, a picturesque log restaurant. LINCOLN LOG CABIN STATE PARK Coles County, bettveen State Highway 130 and U. S. Highway 45. 86 acres. On Tours 3, 6 and 7. In 1837, when Abraham Lincoln left New Salem to practice law in Springfield, his father, Thomas Lincoln, built his last home in Coles County, near the towm of Charleston. Here Lincoln's father lived until his death in 185L The sturdy log home remained standing, and in 1893, it was carefully dismantled and removed to the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago. Unfortu- nately, in some manner, trace of it was lost when the time came to restore it to its original site. Today, on the exact spot where Thomas Lincoln laboriously constructed his dwelling place from hand- squared logs from the nearby woods, stands an accurate replica of the original. Surrounding the land which is included in Lincoln Log Cabin State Park is a rail fence, of the type which Abraham Lincoln constructed in his earlier days, and which earned for him the nickname, "The Rail Splitter." A v^ell and outbuildings have been reconstructed, and utensils and furnishings typical of the period complete the authentic appearance of the park. Home o/LinioItt'sFiitlur in Col i;5 CouHl}' Ca!)ins a»J Rjil Fimc at JS[fU' Salem [ Page Nineteen ] LINCOLN TOMB .M.i^^iiijuint Ttiiiili 0/ Lincoln •"IJPP??] hi Oak Kidge Cemetery, Springfield, Illinois on Tours 5, 6, 7 and 8. Abraham Lincoln left Springfield in 1861 to take office as President of the United States. Four years later, the same populace which had cheered his departure, gathered in sorrowful silence to escort his remains to their final resting place. Not imtil nine years later was a fitting memorial to him completed. This stood imtil 1899, when It was removed to make way for a larger, more suit- able shaft. In 1930, the base was remodelled, and exten- sive improvements were made in the interior. Today visitors to Springfield make the pilgrimage to Oak Ridge Cemetery to stand in awed reverence be- fore the sarcophagus in which rest the ashes of the Great Emancipator. In a semicircle behind the cenotaph in the sarcophagus chamber are the official flags of the states through which the successive generations of the Lincoln family passed before halting in Illinois. Lining the corri- dor around the center of the base are nine statues of Abraham Lincoln, and an exhibit of Lincoln relics and mementos is on display inside the entrance. LINCOLN HOME Springfield, Illinois. On Tours 5, 6, 7 and 8. At the corner of Eighth and Jackson Streets in Springfield stands a square white frame dwelling, appear- ing little different from many another of the w^ell'kept older houses in the neighborhood. But in the parkway at the comer is a standard bearing a sign, and a bronze plaque is at the right of the gateway through the picket fence surrounding it. These bear the information that here is cne of the most hallowed shrines in America — the home w^here Abraham Lincoln and his family lived from 1844 to 1861. Today visitors may pass through the rooms furnished as they were during the occupancy of the Lincoln family. Preserved here are the chairs Lincoln [ Page occupied, the bed in which he slept, and articles of furniture and decoration which '■^''-'"'y i bring a feeling of close acquaintance with the personality of Abraham Lincoln. This house and the other Lincoln Shrines in and around Springfield, are visited by thousands of travellers from every part of the Nation and from foreign lands every year. One of the Statues in hasc of MonumcJit Interior of Lincoln Home TIk- Oiilv H.^mc AlT.iluim Lnu.'ln Fivr Oirncj Room in Lincoln Home jro CHICAGO 167 MILES ■^LINCOLN CHARLESTON Tour Number 6 Central Illinois, to the Lincoln Shrines in and around Springfield, and other points oj historic and scenic interest. 298 miles round trip. In Springfield the State Capital, there is much of interest to visitors. In addition to the Lincoln Home and Tomb (described on page 20) interesting places to visit are the State House, v^'ith the many statues of illustrious Illinois citizens both in the rotunda of the Capitol and dotting the State House grounds, the State Historical Library in the Centennial Building adjacent, the Springfield Armory, the Supreme Court Building, and the nearby Governor's Mansion. The building which housed the State offices before the construction of the present State House, is still standing, and is novsf serving as the Court House for Sangamon County, of which Springfield is the county seat. From Springfield, follow State Highway 125 northwest to the intersection of State Highway 123, and turn north to New Salem State Park, "The Lincoln Village" (described on page 18). After viewing the many interesting log buildings in this historic village, continue on Highway 123 north and east, south on State Highway 29 to State Highway 124, and east and south to U. S. Highway 66. Then northeast on U. S. 66 to Elkhart, and east to Mt. Pulaski Court House, scene of many of Abraham Lincoln's legal triumphs. From Mt. Pulaski, follow State Highway 121 to Decatur, State Highway 48 to its intersection with State Highway 10, east to Champaign and Urbana to visit the University of Illinois. From Champaign, take U. S. Highway 45 south to Mattoon, State Highway 16 east to Charleston and State Highway 130 south to the two State Parks in Coles County — Lincoln Log Cabin State Park, (described on page 19) and Fox Ridge State Park. The latter is one of the newer ol Illinois State Parks, 560 acres on the Embarrass River (pronounced Om-bra). High above the river, the area contained within the park boundaries is characterized by deeply cut ravines and great natural beauty. Retracing the route over State Highways 130 and 16 to Mattoon, the return trip to Springfield follows State Highway 16 to Pana, and State Highway 29 through Taylorville to the starting point. Numerous important through highways cross this tour, and visitors to Illinois from other states will find this an interesting side trip. U. S. Highway 66, the direct route from Chicago to the southwest, inter- sects this tour route at Elkhart and Springfield. Two North-south U. S. Highways, numbers 45 and 51 cross the route taken. U. S. High- Park way 36 bisects it at Tuscola and Springfield. STATE PARKS AND POINTS OF INTEREST 1. Lincoln Home Lincoln Tomb State Capitol New Salem State Park Mt. Pulaski Court House University of Illinois Fox Ridge State Park Lincoln Log Cabin State [ Page Tzvcnty-0)ic ] PERE MARQUETTE STATE PARK In Jersey County, on State Highway 100, six miles ivest of Grafton. 1577 acres. On Tour 8. Ruling Is Popular Sfort SltdttT ai McAihrn's Peak In the autumn of 1673, seven persons stepped from canoes to camp for the night on the east bank of the Illinois River, just above the point where it enters the Mississippi. They were Father Jacques Marquette, Louis Joliet, and five companions whose names have been forgotten with the passage of centuries. These were the first white men to set foot on Illinois soil, and, in honor of the leader of the expedition, the large State Park a few miles up the river now bears his name, Pere Marquette. At the spot w^here the historic event took place is the simple, but impressive memorial to Father Marquette, which motorists pause to admire on their way to the park from the south. Pere Marquette State Park is a mecca for nature lovers and a source of delight to geologists and students. Near the entrance to the park is the recreation area, with a boat dock on the adjacent shore of the Illinois River, and a rustic park lodge which is the center of activities. The motor road leads to hilltop parking areas from which footpaths and horse trails branch off in all directions, taking visitors through beautifully wooded surroundings to vantage points offering com- manding views of the countryside from the tops of the many hills. Many Indian mounds are located within the park boundaries and hundreds of Indian skeletons have been removed by archaeologists. Picnicking, hiking, riding, and camping facilities are all available at Pere Marquette State Park, and it is gaining its rightful place as one of the most popular objectives of travellers passing through Illinois. One of the Scores of Hills View of Illinois ami Missi.ssij'j'i Rners from Hilltop [ Page Tzvcnfy-Tzvo ] Roiul/rom Hilltop Rirlcin^Ardi STATE PARKS AND POINTS OF INTEREST 1. Lincoln Home 2. Lincoln Tomb 3. State Capitol 4. Fox Ridge State Park 5. Lincoln Log Cabin State Park 6. Lincoln Trail Monument 7. Carlyle Fish Hatchery 8. Vandalia State House Tour Number 7 From Springfield southeast to the Wabash River on the Indiana State Line, and return, visiting points of scenic and historic interest en route, 336 miles round trip. Historic interest and summer resort facilities combine to make Springfield, the State Capital of Illinois, a city of great interest to visitors. The Lincoln Home and Tomb f described on page 20), the State House and other State buildings afford much to intrigue the traveler who pauses here. Just outside of the city, a few miles south on U. S. Highway 66, is interesting Lake Springfield, a beauti- ful blue lake surrounded by cottages and picnic grounds and offering facilities for fishing, boating, and bathing. The lake was formed by damming a small stream, forcing the water back to fill the valley and ravines, creating a long body of water with a meandering shorelme. From, Springfield follow State Highway 29 through Taylorville to Pana, turn east on State Highway 16 to Charleston and then southwest to Lincoln Log Cabin State Park (^described on page 19 j. Then return to Charleston and follow State Highway 130 south to Fox Ridge State Park, 560 acres of great natural beauty, with picnicking and recreational facilities. Continue south on State Highway 130 to its intersection with State Highway 33. Turn East on 33 to State Highway 181, south on 181 to the Wabash River which divides Illinois and Indiana. Here is the location of the Lmcoln Trail Monument, an impressive memorial to the Lmcoln family, commemorating their entrance into Illinois at this point in 1829. Turn west on U. S. Highway 50, continuing through Lawrenceville, Olney , and Salem to Carlyle. This route passes through the very heart of the Illinois oil country, where recent discoveries of vast oil deposits have elevated Illinois to a position among the top-ranking oil producing states in the Union. The drive along this highway is an interesting experience, for on all sides drilling operations are being conducted side by side with rich producing wells. New towns have sprung up overnight, and the older towns and cities present scenes of bustling activity caused by this sudden rise to pros- perity. The flaming torches of natural gas, ignited to permit the gas to escape to relieve dangerous pressure in the depths of the earth are visible for long distances by day and illuminate the countryside with eerie brilliance by night. At Carlyle, turn north on State Highway 127 to Greenville, and Northeast on U. S. 40 to Vandalia. Here is preserved as a historic memorial, the Vandalia State House, erected in 1836. Vandalia was the State Capital from 1820 to 1839, and this building is the third State House built in Vandalia. The first was a two-story log structure, which was destroyed by fire in 1823. It was replaced by a brick building, which was torn down to make way for this building which still stands. From Vandalia, follow U. S. Highway 51 north to Pana, and State Highway 29 through Taylor' ville back to Springfield. [ Page Ticcnty-TJircc ] CAHOKIA MOUNDS STATE PARK Madison and St. Clair Counties, jour miles east of East St. Louis on U. S. Highway 40. 144 acres. On Tours 8 and 9- Rising unexpectedly out of the broad plain upon which they are situated, the prehistoric Cahokia Mounds intrigue the imagination of visitors to the State Park bearing their name. Constructed by some prehistoric race, the origin and purpose of the mounds are not definitely known, but their present day interest to travellers is unmistakable. The largest is Monks' Mound, receiving its name from a community of Trappist Monks who, in 1809 built a monastery just west of its summit, where they remained until 1813 when fever broke out, and those who survived returned to France. Today, there is a picnic area on the spot where the monastery formerly stood. The even outlines of huge Monks' Mound are somewhat obscured by the trees and shrubs which have growoi on it with the passage of the centuries, giving it the appear- ance of a natural hill. Actually, it was man-made, built, basketful by basketful, from soil secured from the nearby country, and repre- senting a greater amount of human labor than the Great Pyramid of Egypt. At the base of Monks' Mound is a museum in which are displayed relics, w^hich have been dug from the mounds or found in the adjacent region. Numerous smaller mounds dot the surrounding landscape, and a motor road through the park per- mits closer inspection of these odd -shaped hillocks which authorities consider the oldest remains of a prehistoric race to be found on the American continent. Museum ofhiian Relics [ Pcu/c Tzvoity-Foiir ] BinVs'Eye View ofMonhs' A'foiiM,) N Tour UMBER 8 M I S S U R East St. Louis to Spring- field, and west to the Mis- sissippi River and return. 340 miles round trip. Leaving East St. Louis on U. S. Highway 40, Cahokia Mounds State Park (see page 24) is reached a few miles east of the city, the first of many interesting spots to be seen on this tour. From Cahokia Mounds, a short side trip takes the visitor southwest over State Highways 157 and 3 to his- toric Cahokia Court House, early seat of French Government. Re- turn on 157 to U. S. 50 and turn east to State Highway 43, north on 43 to U. S. Highway 66, and foUow^ U. S. 66 to Springfield. Just before reachmg Spring- field the highway crosses a bridge over one of the narrower parts of Lake Springfield (described in text for Tour Number 7) and in Springfield, the Lincob Home and Tomb (described on page 20) and the various State buildings claim the attention of the visitor. From Springfield, New Salem State Park, "The Lincoln Village" (see page 18) is reached over State Highways 125 and 97. From this interesting spot, State Highways 123 and 125 are followed northwest to Beardstown, where is located the building in which Abraham Lincoln won freedom for Duff Armstrong, accused of murder, by referring to an almanac to prove a prosecution witness was wrong. At Beardstown, U. S. Highway 67 is taken north to Macomb. Here, take State Highway 10 west to the Mississippi River and State Highway 96 north to historic Nauvoo, home of the Mormons from 1839 until 1847. Among the buildings which have been preserved are the homes of Joseph Smith and Brigham Yoimg, and the site of the Mormon Temple is marked by a monument. Continuing the Tour, return south on State Highway 96, which at this point borders the Missis- sippi River, with many picnic grounds with tables, benches, and outdoor fireplaces provided for the convenience of motorists. Follow State Highway 96 to its intersection with U. S. Highway 36. At Detroit, turn south on State Highway 100, and drive along the beautiful Illinois River shore to the entrance to Pere Marquette State Park (see page 22). Continue east on State Highway 100 to its intersection with U. S. Highway 67 which leads into Alton. At Alton, pause to view the Lovejoy Monument in the hilltop cemetery overlooking the town. This noble shaft was erected in 1897 by the citizens of Alton, to the memory of Elijah Parish Lovejoy, an early leader in the fight against the evils of slavery. In 1837, in the heat of the controversy which was raging over the slavery question, a mob of proponents of slavery destroyed Lovejoy's presses on which he was printing anti-slavery literature, and Love- joy was slain. From Alton, U. S. Highway 67 continues south to East St. Louis, the starting place of Tour Number 8. STATE PARKS AND POINTS OF INTEREST 1 . Cahokia MounJ.s State Park 2. Cahokia Court Hou.se 5. Lincoln Home 4. Lincoln Tomb 5. State Capitol 6. New Salem State Park 7. Nauvoo 8. Fort Edwards Monument 9. Pere Marquette State Park 10. Lovejoy Monument [ Page Tzveiitv-Fiz'c ] Stnin^t Cjhwiis Intrigue Visitors ^•• •flW*" Rustic Lodge Atop t!ie Higlicst Hill RiKiiia-a Rock DmrsSt.iMjT.iMc GIANT CITY STATE PARK In Jackson County, south oj Carhondale, just east of V. S. Highway 51. 916 acres. On Tours 9 and 10. "Giant City" — the very name is intriguing. But even more intriguing are the strange rock formations which give this State Park its name. Entering the park, a smooth, winding motor road rises between rocky bluffs, and deep ravines to the top of one of the highest hills in the Illinois Ozarks. Here is a newly constructed lodge, built of native stone and rustic in design and furnishings, with large dining room and commodious lounges. Nearby are completely furnished overnight cabins. The view from the lodge itself is worth a trip to this park, but even more is in store for visitors in the canyons of "Giant City" itself, in the valleys below. Parking areas are provided close by the interesting canyons, and w^ell-marked footpaths lead the visitor into the "streets" of "Giant City." Huge square blocks of rock are spaced to form straight canyons almost as though some gigantic hand had placed them in position to create a city of rock. The rocky cliffs rise up as vertical as the walls of a skyscraper, and the passages between are as straight as though laid out by a surveyor. The strata of rock and strange fossil remains which were revealed when the canyons w^ere formed, provide much of interest to visitors interested in geology. The upheaval of nature which produced the strange "streets" played other pranks with huge masses of rocks. Numerous balanced rocks are seen, the most spectacular being "Devil's Stand Table." Perched high on a needle- like pinnacle of rock rests a flat slab, v^eighing tons, yet defying the elements to dislodge it from its precarious position. Farther along the valley in which this strange phenomenon is seen, is "Natural Amphitheatre," a mighty curved stage carved out of the rock by the action of the flowing waters of the stream at its base. Giant City State Park bids fair to become one of the most popular recreational centers in Illinois, for the strangeness of the formations, and the beautv of the scenery within the park boundaries are unexcelled. [ Page Txi'dityStx ] Tour Number 9 From East St. Louis to the many points of interest along the Mississippi River to the south, and returning hy way of the coal and oil country of southern Illinois. 340 miles round trip. Leave East St. Louis on State Highway 3 south, visit- ing first historic Cahokia Court House. Continue south on 3 to Ruma, and here turn right on State Highway 155 to Fort Chartres State Park (see page 28). This is one of the various points of interest in Randolph County, one of the richest counties in the State in historic memories. Retracing Highway 155, turn south at Ruma on State Highway 3, which leads to Fort Kaskaskia State Park, the Pierre Menard Homestead, and Garrison Hill Cemetery on the Mississippi River. (For descriptions see page 29.) From these points of interest, follow State Highway 3 to its junction with State Highway 144, and 144 to Murphysboro. At Murphysboro, take State Highway 13 to Carbondale and here turn south on U. S. Highway 51, which leads to Giant City State Park, 1 1 miles south. Giant City State Park is a wild and beautiful tract in the heart of the Illinois Ozarks. (See page 26 for description. ) Con- tinue south on U. S. 51 to Anna where an interesting short side trip is afforded by a visit to the Thompson Tree Nursery a few miles west in the Union County State Forest, reached by State Highway 146. Return on Highway 146 through Anna to West Vienna, and turn north on State Highway 37. This route passes through the busy southern Illinois coal country, and, a little farther north, through the oil fields around Salem and Centralia, the heart of the Illinois oil-producing area. The cities of Marion, Johnston City, West Frankfort, and Benton are the industrial centers for this region, and all along the road are large coal mines. Some of these conduct tours through the mine workings for the benefit of visitors who are interested in the manner in which coal is brought up from the depths of the earth. Great activity is visible in the oil fields, for the discovery of large reserves of oil in this region has transformed the area from an easy-going farm community to a bustling industrial and trading center. At Salem, turn west on U. S. Highway 50 to U. S. Highway 51, and continue north to Vandalia, second Capital of Illinois, where is preserved the State House built in 1836. To return to East St. Louis, turn west on U. S. Highway 40. Just before reaching the end of this Tour, visit the famous Indian Mounds at Cahokia Mounds State Park, just east of East St. Louis. (For description see page 24. ) STATE PARKS AND POINTS OF INTEREST 1. CahokiaMounds State Park 2. Cahokia Court House 3. Fort Chartres State Park 4. FortKaskaskiaStatePark 5. Pierre Menard Homestead 6. Garrison Hill Cemetery 7. Giant City State Park 8. Thompson Tree Nursery 9. Mt. Vernon Game Farm 10. Vandalia State House [ Page Tzceiity-Scvcii ] Rd'uilt Gateway to Fcrt Owrtrcs The OneiMiil Powdcrlnmsc St\U Stands FORT CHARTRES STATE PARK Ratidolph County, four miles from Prairie du Rocher at the end of State Highway 153. 21 acres. On Tour 9' Randolph County is rich in historical memorials, with Fort Chartres, Fort Kaskaskia, Garrison Hill Cemetery, and the Pierre Menard Homestead all within its borders. At Fort Chartres State Park, a unique method has been used to give a graphic picture of the design of the original fort and buildings. The level of the compound has been lowered to expose the original foundations of the walls and the barracks, so that the visitor sees before him, as though in blue-print form, exactly how Fort Chartres appeared. The original powderhouse still stands, one of the oldest buildings in the Middle West. The large arched gateway has been restored, and ancient cannons command the avenue leading to the massive wooden gates between the stone supports. On the foundation of the original supply house, the State has constructed custodian's quarters and a museum which holds relics directly associated with the original fort. Fort Chartres State Park perpetuates an outpost of civilization dating back to 1720, which played an important role in the drama of creating a commonwealth out of the wilderness. [ Page Ticciity-Eifjlit ] Pierre Menard Homestead Fireiilaee in Memrd Hon L ' ■■.liorks of Original Fortificdticns FORT KASKASKIA STATE PARK GARRISON HILL CEMETERY PIERRE MENARD HOMESTEAD Randolph County, north oj Chester. Near State Highway 3. 57 acres. On Tour 9. The Indians, the French, the British, the Ameri- cans — each in turn have held sway over the Illinois countrv, and each have centered their activities in and around Kaskaskia. The confluence of the Kas- kaskia and Mississippi Rivers was a logical location for a frontier settlement, and in 1703 a group of French traders foimded the town. It remained under French control until 1765, when the British took over the territory, only to lose it to the United States in 1778, when George Rogers Clark and his "Ken- tucky Long Knives" made their famous expedition through the wilderness to claim the Illinois country for the new nation. In 1809, Kaskaskia became the first territorial capital, and, when Illinois was ad- mitted to statehood in 1818, it continued as the first State Capital. In 1820 the Capital was moved to Vandalia, and the once flourishing town began Its decline. The commanding hill upon which stood Fort Kaskaskia is today a State Park. The log ramparts have long since rotted away, but the trenches and earthworks which v^ere important parts of the de- fenses of the fort still remain to intrigue the imagina- tion of the many visitors who come to picnic and to enjoy the splendid view^s to be gained from the hilltop. Atop the hill IS Garrison Hill Cemetery, burial place of pioneer residents of Kaskaskia. The ancient headstones and slabs markmg the graves are objects of never-ending interest. At the foot of the hill is the homestead of Pierre Menard, first Lieutenant Governor of Illinois, pre- served, with many of its original furnishings, as a historical museum. Visitors are shown through the homestead by a hostess who is thoroughly familiar with the interesting history of the building. Visitors sometimes wonder why the home of the first Lieutenant Governor is preserved, rather than that of Shadrach Bond, first Governor of Illinois. Governor Bond's home was one of the buildings de- stroyed by the flood which washed away most of the village when the Mississippi River broke through the narrow barrier separating it from the Kaskaskia River a few miles upstream, and cut a new channel down the former course of the Kaskaskia. View from Hilltop Burui! VIkc of Pioneer Rcsiimts [ Page Tzi'dify-Xiiic ] CAVE IN ROCK STATE PARK Hardin County, near Elizabethtown, on State Highivay 1. 60 acres. On Tour 10. High above the Ohio River amid a jumble of rocks, the sheer clifF is pierced by the entrance of interesting Cave In Rock. Known to the Indians as "The Habitation of the Great Spirit", the cave fell into evil w^ays at the beginning of the Nineteenth Century, when bands of river pirates made it their headquarters, swooping out to pillage the booming Ohio River traffic. Later, an outlaw gang, headed by the notorious Harpe Brothers, used Cave In Rock as a refuge, raiding the surroimding region until their reign of terror was ended by their capture by troops sent to restore order. With the execution of the last outlaw in 1834, the bloody history of Cave In Rock ended. Today, happy picnickers and vacationists swarm the park, mounting the bluffs to enjoy the far-reaching view over the distant Kentucky shore, and exploring the depths of the Cave itself. A smooth footpath, carved out of the solid rock floor carries the visitor back 108 feet to the end of the cave, where it widens into a huge natural hall. Trails along the bank of the broad Ohio River w^ind in and around the rocks strewn about, and visitors who enjoy hiking amid surroundings of rugged beauty, find themselves in their element at Cave In Rock. Y\avjrom Interior o/Gnt: [ Page Thirty ] Cave In Rock Purees the Rocky Oiff STATE PARKS AND POINTS OF INTEREST 1 . Horseshoe Lake Game Refuge 2. Thompson Tree Nursery 3. Giant City State Park 4. Crab Orchard Lake 5. Cave In Rock State Park 6. Fort Massac State Park SCALE MILES Tour Number 10 To the many points of interest in the southern end oj Illinois. 274 miles round trip. The southernmost tour in Illinois begins at Cairo, the city built at the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, which was named after the ancient Egyptian city because of the resemblance of the physical setting to that of old Cairo. This city is rich in historical memories dating back to the days of the earliest French explorers, and many important Civil War events are commemorated in the preservation of historic landmarks. One of these is the Halliday Hotel, which, then named the St. Charles, was headquarters for General Grant and General Logan and their staffs. One of the "sta- tions" of the Underground Railway by which slaves were aided in their escape to Canada and freedom, is preserved in Cairo — a dismal dungeon-like basement, with sixteen cells in which the escaping slaves were hidden. From Cairo, State Highway 3 leads northwest and north along the Mississippi River to its junction with State Highway 146 at Ware. Turn east on 146, pause at the Thompson Tree Nursery just west of Anna, and at Anna turn north on U. S. Highway 51 to visit Giant City State Park, ten miles north (see page 26). Highway 51 continues north to Carbondale, and at the intersection of State Highway 13, turn east. A short distance east of Carbondale is Crab Orchard Lake, formed by a 3,000-foot earthen dam which holds back the waters of Crab Orchard creek, creating a man-made lake 14 miles long, two miles wide, and 7,000 acres in area. Continue east on State Highway 13 to Shawneetown, on the banks of the Ohio River. This is the town which suffered heavy loss in the disastrous flood of 1937, as a consequence of which the entire city is being moved away from the lowlands to the security of the hills nearby. Return on State Highway 13 to its intersection with State Highway 1, and follow 1 south to Cave In Rock State Park (see page 30). From this point. State Highway 34 connects with State Highway 146, and passes amid beautiful scenery as it approaches Golconda. At the junction of 146 and State Highway 145, turn south to Fort Massac State Park (see page 32). From the point just south of Shawneetown on Highway 1, to a few miles north of Metropolis, the highways covered on this route pass through the Shawnee National Forest, in surroundings of great natural beauty. From Fort Massac, follow U. S. Highway 45 northwest to State Highway 146. 146 west to State Highway 37, and 37 south to Cairo, the starting point. As "Egypt," the familiar name for the region just north of Cairo is traversed, the Illinois cotton country is reached. In this southernmost tip of Illinois a considerable amount of cotton is grown, and the processing of cotton and cottonseed is an important industry in Cairo. [ Page Thirty-One ] Ohio River und Kui From Fort Massac FORT MASSAC STATE PARK Alassac County, at Metropolis. On U. S. Highway 45. 152 acres. On Tour 10. Fort Massac is one of the two State Parks whose past history is intimately con- nected with the conquest of the Illinois country by George Rogers Clark. Here it was that in 1778 Clark and his "Kentucky Long Knives" first entered Illinois on his expedition to wrest control of the territory from the British, and the spot where vacationists now^ enjoy the park facilities witnessed the first unfurling of the flag of the new American nation within the territory which now constitutes the State of Illinois. Tradition ascribes the origin of the name "Massac" to a contraction of the word "massacre", in the belief that an Indian massacre took place here. History refutes this however, as the name is derived from the French name of the fort, "Massiac", named for the French Minister of Marine in 1757, Marquis de Massiac. Only the mounds marking the ramparts of Fort Massac re- main today, with a large bronze statue of George Rogers Clark looking out over the flowing Ohio River to the green Kentucky shore opposite. Facilities provided by the State include parking space and picnic area with tables, fireplaces, shelters, and a food concession operated during the park season. Statue o{ Gcorgi Roiicrs Cliiric [ Page Thirty-Two ] o'X • • • LINCOLN SARCOPHAGUS IN INTERIOR OF TOMB TOMB OF ABRAHAM LINCOLN IN OAK RIDGE CEMETERY, SPRINGFIELD