n ILLINOIS STATE PARKS and MEMORIALS 1935 The Cardinal is the official State bird; the Violet, the official flower; and the native Oak, the official tree. STATE OF ILLINOIS HENRY HORNER, Governor Department of Public Works and Buildings ROBERT KINGERY, Director CHARLES P. CASEY. Aiiistant Director Division of State Parks GEORGE H. LUKER, Superintendent, State Parks (Printed 61/ authority of the State of lllinoia) rPage Three] HCNRV HORNER GOvc0*.O S>t:ttc of jllliuuis (Offirr uf fhr (i")H\)rruiir ^priimficlfi Illinois presents for your enjoyment 10,000 acres of recreation area. Thirty-four State Parks and Memorials are units of a State- wide system of paurks, forest preserves, and historical monuments, the acreage having been doubled during the past two yetire. The finest system of highways in the world links these recreation areas, and makes them easily accessible to everyone. The State Division of Parks has made these recreation areas more attrsctive and serviceable to the people, and at the same time has protected and preserved their native character. As Governor of Illinois I invite all the citizens of our State and of other States ani Nations to visit our Parks and use the recreation facilities we offer. jiff^P^u^ [Page Four] 7 / '-^ ^ ^7 yjCoCA^ /Coc-^- inois Beckons! LLINOIS is young as a State — less than a century and a quar- ter old — yet those years teem with rich historical lore and background. Its development and culture, rapid but substan- tial, equals the great progress and higher civilization that many states have taken three times as long to attain. While building the indus- trial centers and market places, lUinoisians have not wholly neglected to provide the breathing spaces in the form of state parks. These marvel- ous recreation areas attract the visitor and tourist in their lei- sure hours, yet they serve a second important duty of pre- serving for posterity much of the rich historical background of the State. Illinois did not easily achieve its present high state of culture. Stal- wart pioneers braved the vast wilderness to carry the white man's ci\'iliza- tion farther westward. They fought the Indians who struggled valiant- ly, but in vain, to save their hunting grounds from the inevitable encroach; they resisted the attempts of the French, English and Spanish who sought new possessions, new trading posts and new routes to the Pacific; they endured untold hardships and misfortunes to expand the growth of the new world into this great middle west. Illinois has not forgotten these intrepid explorers, missionaries and early settlers. Today, her historical sites are preserved and marked, not only as a tribute to those who made possible the building of the State of Illinois and of the Union, but to bring to the realization of future citizens, as a part of their education, an awareness of the state's rich history and background. Illinois is a great prairie state and a glorious farm land but it also has its share of natural beauty spots, canyons, gorges, caves, palisades, [Page Fiv«] Indian mounds and forests set aside as state parks. It has its historic old fort sites preserved as educational areas; and it has its wealth of Lincoln shrines and early government buildings restored as memorials. The park areas are not confined to any one section but extend the entire length of the state. There are 10,000 acres of park land under state jurisdiction, and numerous memorials and monuments. Convenient access to all of them is provided by Illinois' splendid system of highways — the finest in the world. Specifically there are 14,000 miles of concrete or hard surfaced roads uniting the vacation areas and historical sites. Rugged hills, majestic forests, shaded hollows, towering promontories, quiet rivers and placid streams are within an hour or two of all Illinois citizens. Illinois parks attract visitors from earliest spring when the dogwood, redbud, crab apple and thorn start the blossoming season; through the summer when the protected, shaded hollows develop magnificent ferns and forested areas are cool; on until the late fall when the foliage turns a flaming color; and finally through the winter when snow changes the scene completely and offers winter sports. Through all of the developments for the convenience of visitors, the parks have lost none of their native character. Fire hazards have been reduced, marginal land has been reforested, young trees and shrubs have been set out and rough timber shelters have been erected, but always in keeping with nature's primitive pattern. So carefully has the work been accomplished by the park staff and the Civilian Conservation Corps that the Illinois parks have achieved a character distinctive and unusual. The happiness and welfare of visitors was considered in planning the park facilities. Suitable approach drives from the state highways have been built and adequate parking areas set aside. Trails in existence since the time of the Red Man and new ones coursing through picturesque sections and connecting beauty spots are marked clearly. Shelters are placed in restful and convenient places along the paths and at the crests of hills and promontories where exceptional vistas unfold. A plentiful supply of drinking water, tested by state health authorities, is provided. Food and refreshment stands are under rigid state control. Clean comfort facilities have been installed at all the parks. Picnic grounds usually lie in picturesque, shaded sections and are equipped with benches, tables and open fireplaces for out-of-door cooking. Overnight camp grounds are provided at most of the parks. lUinois has preserved imperishably the names and deeds of the great and good men who preceded us, so that future generations may be familiar with its traditions and historical lore. Old forts, former government build- ings and several early pioneers' homes, now state property, have been restored to their early condition. Many of the old furnishings have been collected and replaced in their former settings, and where original pieces cannot be found, furnishings in keeping with the period have been installed Along the highways on historical sites where structures have been obliterated there are markers telling the story. Many statues and monu- ments throughout the state record for posterity illustrious figures who helped shape Illinois' destiny. [Page Six] • Two views from the crest of the rocky cliffs in Mississippi Palisades State Park overlooking the Mississippi River and nearby countryside. [Page Seven] r/^ *'A . • Left, one of the many inter- esting trails in Mississippi Pali- sades State Park. • Below, timber shelter on ridge in the same park. • Next page, view from within Bob Upton's cave to the Mis- sissippi River at the Palisades. [Page Eight] Mississippi Palisades State Park Carroll County — North of Savanna on State Highway 80. 482 Acres Rugged cliffs rising majestically above the Mississippi River, densely wooded areas and attractive valleys are combined in Mississippi Palisades State Park, one of the most attractive recreation areas in Illinois. From the palisades, there are magnificent views of the Mississippi, while from the nver level the palisades themselves, with their fantastic resemblances, offer rare sights. Persons interested in geology will find in the rock formations in the park an abundance of material for study; lovers of plant life will find great diversity. The deep ravines are filled with ferns, bases of cliffs are covered with rare and interesting plants, and shrubs and vines abound. Scattered through the park are numerous Indian mounds. Those which have been opened have yielded arrowheads, pottery and other artifacts. Trails are another evidence of the long-continued Indian occupation of the region and now are worn hard and deep by the white settlers who followed the routes of their predecessors. Foot trails wind throughout the park and to the crests of the palisades and shelters are conveniently placed. Several picnic areas, equipped with benches, tables and fireplaces, have been provided. [Page Nine] MJi6t-^ • Log and stone observation toiver on crest in Pere Marquette State Park. • Below, a pretty spot on the foot path in the same park. [Page Ten] Pere Marquette State Park Jersey County — Twenty-five miles west of Alton and near Grafton on State Highway 109. 1670 Acres. Illinois' largest recreation area, Pere Marquette State Park, is named in memory of Father Marquette who used this site at the junction of the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers as a land mark and camping point. Just west of Grafton on the scenic road leading to the park, a cross, hewn from native stone, stands as a monument to the courageous French priest. Louis Joliet and other explorers, churchmen and soldiers also camped in the area on their trips through the territory, while numerous Indian burial mounds tell of former occupancy by the Red Man. Ideally located near the entrance of the park is the recreation center, surrounded on three sides by the towering hills and overlooking a gradual slope to the Illinois River and the boat dock. Here a park lodge, built of rough timbers and hand-forged iron braces, is the center of activities. Lead- ing away from the area are many miles of delightful foot and horse trails. Shelters are placed at intervals along the foot paths and picnic areas with tables and fireplaces are available in picturesque sections. A short park drive rises into gradually thickening woods and ravines to the ridge of one of the highest hills where it terminates in a parking space. This site commands an impressive panorama of the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers and of the countryside for many miles in every direction. From the parking area, foot and horse trails lead west to McAdams Peak where a log shelter offers a new series of fascinating views. To the east from the parking area trails lead to other heights and native areas interesting to the botanist, hiker and lovers of the outdoors. All the desirable features of Pere Marquette State Park — its memor' able historical association in connection with the early explorers and Indian battles, its hundreds of Indian burial mounds and innumerable other at' tractions — make it one of the most important acquisitions to Illinois' park system. Its rugged hills and primitive characteristics make it an ideal playground. [Page Eleven] r^-'-^^. f .^:^^^y^r ^^^!^^ '-%■•■> V ^'. ^^-'-T- -■ ■ »^ • «>:* .- T ^>-^: ►*-r/-|^1i^- i.-\ cv-,.w, ''<■ -^ - •• • " - . « ^ 2|3 ir^tx e^ uL. — „.,--*„ • Leaning rock along cliff on the bridle path in Pere Marquette State Park. • Below, foot trails winding into woody depths of the same park. [Page Twelve] • Road through the interior of White Pines Forest State Park. White Pines Forest State Park Ogle County — North of Dixon and seven miles from Polo be- tween State Highway 2 and United States Highway 52. 315 Acres In White Pines Forest State Park, lUinois has provided a dehghtful recre- ation ground while at the same time conserving the southernmost tract of virgin pine in the middlewest. Many of the trees are two-and-a-haif feet in diameter and rear their heads ninety to one hundred feet skyward. In some places the huge branches interweave almost to exclude the sunlight, while the ground beneath is covered with a thick mat of pine needles and the air is fragrant with their aromatic odor. Mingled with the pines, however, are many vari- eties of hardwoods. Picturesque Pine Creek, with its moss-covered cliffs decorated with trailing vines, brings pleasant contrast to the pine forest. An entrance road for motorists and parking areas have been built in the park, but it is only by following the delightful foot trails into the innermost recesses that the real loveliness of the scenery is unfolded. Trail and picnic shelters and outdoor fireplaces are established throughout the park at carefully chosen sites. Over- night visitors are to be provided with log cabins. Those approaching the park from the north or south pass over one of the most interesting scenic drives in the state on State Route 2 which follows the Rock River for many miles. [Page Thirteen] :Jt^r^^2 *?• :, W^l^ Sfti^ »' ' t ^'-'•A^ ^ '.iW *--} '^1t- ^ ¥^'J '^%^ H^i 4r:^ 1;5S .f*v '-'^mm B ^■K S] **^'*J 11 _vl ■*j1 fe^BriK- I ■ -^ .*» ««* ' '**! ® One of the drives through picturesque sections of White Pines Forest State Park. [Page Fourteen] * From this rock Starved Rock State Park takes its name. ^- ^. Starved Rock State Park LaSalle County — Between Ottawa and LaSalle on State Highway 7A. 898 Acres In Starred Rock State Park, a tract of rough and wooded bkifT land lying along the south bank of the Illinois river, the State of Illinois has its most fully equipped and highly developed recreation area. Visitors will find a hotel and dining room, swimming pool, dancing pavilion, souvenir shop and children's playground in the area near the base of Starved Rock. On a bluff to the south is a camping ground with modern conveniences includ- ing shelter house with shower baths, hot and cold water, and rest rooms. While the rock is the main point of scenic and historic interest, there are many other interesting spots throughout the park, especially the numerous cliffs, gulches and canyons connected with marked trails for hikers. E.xcursion boats, operating under concession from park authorities, carry tourists up the river to see the many features not visible from the land. The rocky eminence popularly known as "Starved Rock" is the site [Page Fifteen] of Fort St. Louis, built by LaSalle in 1682. It is a cylindrical mass of sand- stone rising approximately 100 feet from the water and containing about half an acre of land on its summit. This mass of rock received its name from an incident which occured on it in 1769 when the last remnant of the Illinois Indians, pursued by a band of Pottawattomies, took refuge upon the summit. Surrounded as they were and unable to obtain food and water, they slowly starved to death. The state-built, federal-operated locks completed recently in the pro- gram to improve the navigability of the lUinois River are an interesting feature visible from the summit of the Rock. Starved Rock has three road entrances — The western over the bridge crossing the Illinois River one mile south of Utica; the eastern at the Salt Well Point, six miles west of Ottawa; and the southern, one mile directly south of the Rock. [Page Sixteen] : M: \ r' A A '"4 > \ K ? jftg. - <•. •J '4^^ ^^H • --.Cj^ , ; " -J^Jk 7 * A- ^KM . g| V ': ; fe^ %'■ '-a: ^Pfc;^! >J»\.Si .< ■ '1^* '. '^:.. \1' 8 1 ^m ' HKI'l^^ ^r-^ ;. I, r .^i^y^/' '"^•. .V-: - • V /^- n.c:Av^.-.« wmsmmss^am -i ia^'TSi' ^^V.^' V'^^r^'- .n/r '%IH^ IK. 2m fe-'sr^'^ j^-ib ,. .V 7\. >'.>,^ *.». i^t!.^ ^^^^ff K' ?^-,^^^ i ^ ^^P'^mbjBB A W t ' iTT^^t *> v^ -■?.;•■,'.'' . • • ■■■■K^ct^ 1^:1 1 ^^ £^s ■^ 1^ f^\ll -V-' :2mt ?**■ V J fimiiidlHiS *^*?L. "'^ •& i?'.^''--^'-'<<-'- ' ■• ^ '^M^ ■^^ ^^^>^VJ^^^:- V '^'^ -^r ^linmSm ^^^^^!^ - -^^^^-^^ ;^^, -*t * A >' ' -*** jj*^ - > £fr«... ,.t ?■-.;::-■■■■ Ei-SsT^ ■ ""^^^^^^ gMM— ' ^^L -^ ^f^ nwiMij^M^^ ^^ "'*^- ^*^^ j^^^^^B ^ -^ W^MmM^^'mmsmi^^ ""^ h •"' ^. ♦• -^^'.- *» Sb^^^^^H OkJ- .''^. ^-■.•> fe "'^HM lk« :- , mm ^■^^ -.-^J^^ r1 SfeArft*-'!^^ r -^K^^^ i^-"c?0^^^> • Above, Pulpit Rock in Starved Rock State Park. • Left, Horseshoe Canyon, m the same park. [Page Seventeen] [Fagc Eighteen] • French Canyon, one of the most popular scenic spots in Starved Rock State Park. • Buffalo Rock, as it looms above tfie Illinois River. Buffalo Rock State Park LaSalle County — Between Ottawa and LaSalle near United States Highway 6. 43 Acres In Buffalo Rock State Park, the huge fortress-Hke rock, which is not quite as high as its neighbor. Starved Rock, was once an island in the Illinois River, for water-marks along the base of the rocky bluffs, and the washed- up gravel strewn on the high bottoms, point unmistakably to that conclusion. On this site the native Indians established one of their principal strongholds during their long struggle against the fierce northern tribes for possession of the rich Illinois river valley. Even earlier, French ex- plorers are believed to have used the rock for military purposes. Today, as a state park, there are provided a picnic area, shelters, park- ing space, marked trails and a boat landing. [Page Nineteeni New Salem State Park Menard County — Two miles south of Peters- burg on State Highway 123. 200 Acres In New Salem State Park, authentic restoration of the town where Lincoln lived before moving to Springfield, Illinois has the only memorial of its kind and the finest and most comprehensive collection of early American and pioneer relics ever assembled. The Onstot cooper shop where Lincoln studied at night is the only original building standing today, but seven houses and four shops have been faithfully reproduced and furnished as they were in 1831. Adjacent to the restored buildings is a museum housing an interesting collection of Lincoln rehcs and articles whose history is interwoven with that of New Salem. A new park drive leads to the crest of the hill on which the restored town is situated and ample parking space is provided, although hidden in so unique a manner that no automobile may be seen in the restored village. Nearby is a picnic area with benches, tables and fireplaces. A restaurant will be opened in the summer of 193 5 while over- night accommodations are available in several nearby towns. A brief history of New Salem, as it is inscribed on a marker on the entrance road, follows: • General view of New Salem State Park. From left to right, the Samuel Hill house, the McNamar store, the Lincoln-Berry store and a corner of the house of Peter Lukins, the cobbler. [Page Twenty] I he Lincoln- Berry store, i\euJ ^alem. "In the fall of 1828, James Rutledge and John Camron erected homes on this hill. The following year they built a grist and saw mill on the Sangamon River, just below the hill, laid out the town of New Salem and began to sell lots. The mill became so popular that the town grew ripidly and flourished for several years, although it never included more than one hundred inhabitants. With the founding and growth of Petersburg, two miles to the north and more accessibly located, its decline began. When the seat of the new County of Menard was located at Petersburg in 1839, New Salem quickly passed out of existence. "Abraham Lincoln resided at New Salem from the summer of 1831 until the spring of 1837, supporting himself successively as clerk and mill- hand, soldier in the Black Hawk War, store keeper, postmaster and deputy surveyor. In 1832 he entered politics. Although defeated in his first.-dm- paign for the Legislature, he was elected a member of the House of Repre- sentatives in 1834 and again in 1836. Throughout his residence at New Salem, Lincoln strove to perfect his education, studying grammar, mathe- matics, and finally law. Upon his admission to the Bar in March, 1837, he sought greater opportunities than New Salem offered, and therefore re- moved to Springfield." [P«9« Tw»nty-On«] ^l.- • Top, interior of the Samuel Hill residence. New Salem. • Below, interior of Peter Lukin's home, same park. [Page Twenty-Two] Black Hawk State Park Rock Island County — Adjoining Rock Island on United States Highway 67 and State Highway 80. 200 Acres Because it has never been used for any purpose other than a recreational area, Black Hawk State Park boasts the title of the oldest park in the middle west. From the time of the Sauk and Fox Indians who gath' cred on Watch Tower hill for their feasts and com- petitive games to the pres- ent day, the land in the park has escaped the white man's plow and cultivation and still retains its natural beauty and primitive na- ture. The park stretches out • Old trail along the crest of Watch Tower in five ridges on whose Ridge in Black Hazvk State Park. ^^.^^^5 j-^ ^^.^-^^ trodden years ago by moccasined feet and retained through the years by the travels of white men who followed the same paths in search of beauty and in- spiration. Named after Black Hawk, who fought so fearlessly to save his be- loved villages and hunting grounds from the advancing white man's civil- ization, the park is a memorial to the famous Indian chiefs love of home and country. It is also a reminder of the hundreds of brave pioneers who went to their deaths in the Black Hawk War. Watch Tower hill, a promontory rising 75 feet above the Rock River, is the center for rest and recreation and is the site of the new stone museum in which the famous Hauberg collection of Indian relics is being assembled. Here also is the newly completed refectory and lodge. At the river bank near the east end of the park is another recreation area, in- cluding a 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 interesting sections in the park and to hewn timber shelters on hill crests. [Page Twenty-Three] • Above, interesting rocky formation in Black Haivh State Park. • Below, section of exterior of new stone museum on crest of Watcf) Towcr Ridge, same park. [Page Twenty-Four] • George Rogers Clark Monument in Fort Massac State Park. Fort Massac State Park Massac County — At Metropolis, near junction of United States Highway 45 and State Highway 145. 134 Acres A haze of tradition obscures the origin of Fort Massac. Many beheve that the Spanish under DeSoto occupied the site of the fort in the sixteenth century, but the story has no foundation in fact. Many also believe that the site was a French trading post during the first decade of the eighteenth century, and that massacre here gave the fort its name, but no evidence worthy of credence has ever been advanced in support of the tale. In sober historical fact, the story begins with the French and Indian War. In 1756, Major de Makarty, the French Commandant at Fort Char- tres, learned that the British were planning to send a war party to the Mississippi, and ordered Charles Philippe Aubry to erect a fort on the Ohio. By June 1757 the new fort — a temporary log structure — was completed. First called Fort Ascension, its name was changed soon to Fort Massiac in honor of the Marquis de Massiac, French Minister of the Marine. The Fort was strengthened in 1758 after the fall of Fort Duquesne but it was never attacked. At the close of the war. Fort Massiac was delivered to the Brit- ish who neglected to garrison it. [Page Twenty-Five] In June 1778 General George Rogers Clark and his Kentucky "Long Knives" rested there for several days on their way to capture Kaskaskia. It was then that the flag of the new union of the colonies, the Stars and Stripes, was unfurled for the first time within territory which now consti- tutes the State of Illinois. When the French agent Genet was formulating his scheme for captur- ing Louisiana and Florida from Spain by the aid of western filibusters, the federal government decided to rebuild and garrison Fort Massiac. General Wayne intrusted the work to Major Thomas Doyle, who was instructed to erect ''a strong redoubt and block house, with some suitable cannon from Fort Washington." From this time on, through a misunderstanding of the name the fort was called Massac. It was re-fortified and armed for the last time in 1812 during the second war with Great Britain. Only the mounds marking the old ramparts of Fort Massac remain today, with the bronze figure of George Rogers Clark facing the Ohio River. The State has acquired the site as an historical spot and has pro- vided a picnic area with tables, fireplaces and shelters. • Below, Cave-in-Rock in state park by that name. • Above, next page, looking from the in- terior of the cave over the Ohio River. [Page Twenty-Six] Cave-In-Rock State Park Hardin County — Near Elizabethtown on State Highway 140. 60 Acres Center of Indian life in prehistoric times when it was called "The Habitation of the Great Spirit," and later the rendevous of robbers and counter' feiters, a large cave in the bluff on the Ohio River about 30 miles below the mouth of the Wabash River gives Cave-in-Rock State Park its name and principal feature. The park occupies a narrow strip of land bordering the river for nearly a mile and from the steep blutf, many lovely views are afforded. On the bluff is a large Indian mound, standing today as it was left by the Indians, and in the fields above are several more well-defined mound sites of interest to visitors. Cave-in-Rock is situated near the west end of the park. On the face of the bluff, half-way between the summit and the normal water line, is a large, arched opening, approximately fifty-five feet in width. The cave itself extends into the bluff 258 feet and has an average width of forty feet. The ceiling is horizontal, but the floor slopes upward towards the rear. On either side is a solid bench of rock and in the roof about the middle of the cave is an opening sufficiently large to receive the body of a man. Cave-in-Rock was first shown on a map published in Charlevoix' "His- tory of New France" in 1744. For many years after its discovery it remained a natural curiosity, visited by white men at rare intervals, but sometime after the Revolutionary War it became the headquarters of outlaw gangs which preyed on the commerce of the Ohio River. Later, a band of counter- feiters opened there until 1831. For a short time afterward other outlaws frequented the cave, but in 1834 the last man was executed, and bloodshed and robbery ceased forever at Cave-in-Rock. A parking area, marked trails through the park and to the cave and picnic grounds have been provided for visitors. [Pago Twenty-Seven] 4i^'^'^'- ' -■'^W ^ •"♦»*• ♦ * # • Air view of Fort Chartres. showing foundations of the old fort and the new museum in the background. [Page Twenty-Eight] Fort Chartres State Park Randolph County— Four miles from Prairie du Rochet at the temunus of State Highway 155. 21 Acres Although one of the smaller state parks, Fort Chartres intngues the visitor with Its interesting historical background. Foundations of the outer wall and the buildings in the enclosure remain today to give a graphic picture of the design of the original structures. On the foundation of the original supply house has been erected cus- todian's quarters and a museum, the latter containing relics directly asso- ciated with the former stronghold. The magazine has been restored and a guard house and chapel, studiously reproducing the building onginally occupying that foundation, is now being completed. Also inside the fort wall is one of the oldest wells in the middle west. Father Marquette and Joliet discovered the Mississippi in 1673 and a few years later LaSalle explored the region through which it passed and sailed down the stream to its mouth, laying claim to the entire northwest territory in the name of France. Colonization increased rapidly in this fertile valley. In the autumn of 1718 Pierre Duque Boisbriant, appointed Commandant in the Illinois country by the King of France, arrived in Kaskaskia to erect a permanent miUtary post to protect the interests of the French people in the territory. On a site 18 miles north of Kaskaskia, a log fort was completed in 1720 and named Fort de Chartres for the Regent of France. This fort was destroyed by an inflow from the Mississippi in 1727. When serious trouble with the Indians necessitated rebuilding the fort, the new commandant, St. Ange de Belle Rive, chose a new site a short distance up the river and erected another wooden stockade. It was oc- cupied by French soldiers about 1732 but because of its inferior construc- tion and poor location in case of attack, was abandoned in 1747. The third Fort Chartres, a magnificent stone stronghold whose foun- dations remain today, was built in 1753 on a site still farther up the river from the second one. Commandant Barthelmy de Markarty, then Com- mandant of the Illinois country, was in charge of the work. The fort consisted of two officers' buildings, a stone supply house, two barracks, magazine, prison, chapel and bake oven, surrounded by walls eighteen feet high and three feet thick, with a large arched gateway. The British took over the fort from the French in 176'? and held it until 1772 when the Mississippi again overflowed its banks and washed away part of the south wall. With the consequent removal of British garrisons, Fort Chartres' occupation as a stronghold ended. Near the entrance of the fort today ample parking space has been provided and in a shaded hollow to one side of the outer wall is a cool and comfortable shelter. [P«q« Tw«nty-Nin«] i \^' , if > , *■ .^^ ).'-' m J' ^ - r - i"^i. ? rfi* % <^l.^ •MS-'., t>* ^■.-...^ ■.'»»*• ''*^*^A^'^-v■ A ..L -.'"' ^=r- ■y^ ■.'»*ss»i- « f v^ ^^^^;">)^^^^^*?^:*^3^^..;-r- •-^•MtM.' Giant City State Park Jackson and Union Counties— Nine miles south of Carbondale and near Mnkanda: connected with United States Highway 51 by a two-mile strip of gravel road. 916 Acres. Although Illinois is commonly associated with level prairies and gently rolling plains, Giant City State Park, lying in the foothills of the Ozarks, is of rugged, near-mountainous character, and often called the "Illincis Ozarks." The site has an interesting history. The old stone fort near the north end of the park has legend and fact to support the stories of its importance to early tribesmen as a place of defense. During the Civil War deserters from both the Union and Confederate armies had their rendevouz in the canyons and hills and preyed upon the regular armies, while secret societies met in the caverns that abound in the area. Even today crude lettering on the stone bluffs gives names, dates and titles of men who frequented the area years ago. The motor road from the entrance of the park mounts gradually into the hills to a high promontory where the recreation area is situated. The lodge is a fine example of park building in rough stone and logs. Heavy timbers, two feet in diameter, rise two-and-a-half stories to the rcof and also support the log balcony around the room. On two sides of the build- ing are out-door balconies overlooking the Illinois Ozarks. Trails through the park lead hikers past interesting geological forma- tions and into the "Giant City" proper where huge cubical blocks of stone rising from canyons resemble tall buildings. In suitable areas there are picnic grounds with tables, benches and fireplaces. Here ni Giant City State Park is every type of scenery to intrigue the visitor. Besides the massive rock formations, colorful wild flowers, ferns and magnificent old trees grow in abundance, while springs of clear water emerge from the hillsides to follow a frivolous route toward the river. • Left. "Giant City" section in Giant City State Park. [Page Thirty-On«] • Above, natural amphi- theater in Giant City Slate Park. • Right, Devil's Stand ' Table in the same park. ^i'**"s>t. [Page Thirty-Two] Fort Kaslcaskia State Park Garrison Hill Cemetery Pierre Menard Home Randolph County — North of Chester, near State Highway 3. 57 Acres Fort Kaskaskia State Park, Garrison Hill Cemetery and Pierre Menard's Home form an interesting trio of historical attractions for visitors. The remaining earthworks of the old fort today outline the picnic area which is on a hilltop, surrounded by trees and overlooking the Missis- sippi river. The first fort, a wooden stockade, was completed in 1736 and served as a protection to the residents of Kaskaskia, then the seat of government during the French regime in lUinois, against the warring Chickasaws. Twentyfive years later it was rebuilt by the French only to be destroyed by its builders six years later in an attempt to thwart the English, who then had assumed possession of the territory, from occupying it. GARRISON HILL CEMETERY Adjacent to the site of Fort Kaskaskia to the northwest, is Garrison Hill Cemetery. Originally the pioneers of Old Kaskaskia were buried in three cemeteries in lowlands at the junction of the Mississippi and Kaskaskia Rivers. In 1891, when the Mississippi diverted into a new channel and • Picnic grounds on site of Fort Kaskaskia; earthworks of the old fort are visible in the photograph. [Page Thirty-Three] ^m^M- '^m^^ • Left, Garrison Hill Cemetery. • Beloiv, Pierre Menard Home. the old cemeteries were in danger of being washed away, the state pur- chased the present tract on Garrison hill and removed the interments. In the center of the burial grounds is a monument erected in memory of the pioneers buried there. PIERRE MENARD HOME At the foot of the hill on which Fort Kaskaskia stands is the home of Pierre Menard, presiding officer of the territorial legislature and first lieu' tenant governor in 1818. Born in Canada, Menard moved to Kaskaskia in 1790. His home, which stands today, was built in 1802, a magnificent oak structure of French architecture, with mantles imported from France. The kitchen, separated from the main building, by an open porch is floored with flagstones, and has an immense fireplace, capacious Dutch oven and a water-basin carved from solid stone. To the rear of the house is the original slave house, carefully restored. The home has been repaired and some of its original furnishings re- placed. Now an effort is being made to find other pieces or substitute furnishings appropriate to the period and style of architecture of the house. Visitors are shown through the old home by a hostess thoroughly familiar Vv'ith its interesting history. [Page Thirty-Four] • Chapel in Jubilee College State Park. Photo by Peona Star. Jubilee College State Park Peoria County — 14 miles northwest of Peoria, near United States Highway 150. 96 Acres Jubilee College and grounds, acquired by gift in 1933, is the newest addi- tion to Illinois' system of parks and memorials. The old college, erected in 1839 by Bishop Philander Chase with funds raised in England and a small amount collected in this country, is built of golden limestone with slender windows of leaded glass. Its simple beauty is a splendid example of early nineteenth century architecture. The main college building and chapel, nestled on the brow of a hill overlooking the Kickapoo River and surrounded by a group of old cedars and oaks, are being restored as nearly as possible to their original state. Interior furnishings of chapel, classroom and library, many of which have fallen into private ownership, are being returned where available or dupli' cated with pieces appropriate to the period. Near the college buildings is a picnic ground equipped with benches, tables and fireplaces. For those interested, a quiet walk is suggested in the adjacent old church yard where Bishop Chase and other noted men and women are buried. [Page Thirty-Five] Cahokia Mounds State Park Madison and St. Clair Counties — Four miles east of East St. Louis on United States Highway 40. 144 Acres Built by a primitive people in the crudest manner, the Indian mounds in Cahokia Mounds State Park are said to be the most important work left by a prehistoric race on the American continent. Their creation antedates the existence of the Indians who regarded them as the work of Manitou, the Great Spirit. Monks' Mound, the largest in the park, has at its base an area of 16 acres. It is 100 feet in height. Its peculiar shape is similar to an earthen monument left by a prehistoric race in South America. Only to see it can one realize the endless toil of the prehistoric men who carried the soil from an adjacent territory and heaped basketful upon basketful until it assumed its gigantic proportions. Its present name is from a community of Trappist Monks, who in 1808, seeking a sanctuary in the wilderness, built a monastery in its sum- mit. They lived there until 1813 when fever broke out and those who survived returned to France. Today there is a picnic area where the mon- astery once stood. At the foot of the trail leading to the top of Monks' Mound is a museum of Aztec influence in which may be seen the reHcs which have been dug up or found near the surface of the ground in the territory. Adjacent are several smaller mounds past which a motor road has been built. [Page Thirty-Six] • Above, air view of Monks' Mound, largest in Cahokia Mounds State Park. • Left, museum of Aztec architectural lines at foot of Monks' Mound. Historical Markers Illinois has preserved for its present and future citizens the names and deeds of great men and the events which influenced its development by marking historical sites with appropriate tablets. Brief texts, giving the history of the site are lettered in gold on a dark blue ground. The markers are placed parallel with the highways, giving full reading advantage to passing motorists, and they are preceded by warning signs several hundred feet in advance to indicate their location ahead. Shown at the left is the marker on the site of Lincoln's first Illinois home. [Page Thirty-Seven] Apple River Canyon State Park Jo Daviess County — South and west of War- ren, near State Highway 78. 155 Acres In the heart of a driftless area which the geologists say "nature forgot" is the historic and rugged Apple River Canyon State Park, distinguished by its limestone bluiTs, ravines, springs, wild bird and animal life and plant life. Flowing endlessly for countless centuries, the Apple River has cut through the masses of limestone and today massive cliffs rise high above the water. From the top of the bluffs may be seen Charles Mound and Mount Sumner, two of the highest points in the state, and Millville. The latter was an early mining town and a relay station on an old stage route from Chicago to Dixon and Galena. Visitors will find marked trails through the canyons and picturesque sections of the park, a picnic area on the site of an old mill, a refreshment stand, convenient shelters, camp grounds and a parking area. Vandalla State House Fayette County — In Vandalia on United States Highway 51 and 40. 3 Acres Although a rented building in Kaskaskia was the first "state house" Illinois had, serving from 1818 to 1820, the first Capitol building erected by the state was at VandaHa, the the capitol city from 1820 to 1839. The present structure, erected in 1836, is the third capitol building in Vandalia. The first, a two-story log building one block west and a block south of the present site, was destroyed by fire in December 1823. The second one, of bricks, was torn down to make room for the one now standing. The latter has been repaired and the rooms used by the Senate, House of Representatives and several state offices are being restored to their early appearance as another of the series of authentic historical sites in the state. During the years when Illinois laws were made in Vandalia, the first general school law was enacted, the Black Hawk War was fought, the "Town of Chicago" was incorporated and the first locomotive in Illinois was run. Lincoln served his first term as a legislator there, riding on horse back from New Salem to attend the sessions. After the capital was removed to Springfield the building was oc- cupied by the Fayette County offices until 1920 when it was re-acquired by the state as a memorial. [Page Thirty-Eight] Me+amora Court House Woodford County — In Metamora on State Highways 116 and 89 Metamora Qiurt House, built in lS4'i, has been restored to its original cond. tion to stand as a memorial to Abraham Lincoln and other distinguished pioneers who practiced law there. The building is constructed of timbers, mostly black walnut, hewn from trees cut near the village, and of bricks burned at Metamora. The court room on the second floor today includes the original table and rostrum used by the presiding judge; one of the original chairs used in the jury box, with eleven more, built to match the original; and 13 of the original court benches. Besides the restored court room vis- itors find interest in the exhibit of his- torical relics by the Woodford County Historical society also housed in the building. [Pdge Thirty-Nine] • Visitors to Melamora Court House find interest in the restored court room. • The Vandalia Slate House was erected by Illinois as a State Capitol in 1836. Lincoln Tomb Sangamon County — In Oak Ridge Cemetery, Springfield, Illinois The Lincoln tomb, final resting place of the martyred President, in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Springfield, annually draws thousands of visitors — kings, queens, statesmen and humble'folk alike. With funds acquired principally through popular subscription, con- struction on the monument was started in 1871 and it was dedicated in 1874. After a few years the structure began to show signs of disintegra- tion and in 1899-1901 it was rebuilt. Again in 1930-31 it was remodeled and although the exterior remains, the interior is changed considerably. As the tomb stands today, it is an appropriate, sacred memorial to Abraham Lin- coln. Eight statuettes repre- senting Lincoln during dif- ferent phases of his career stand in wall niches in the four corners of the interior. The States in the Union are represented by stars, twelve in each corner. In a semi- circle behind the cenotaph in the sarcophagus chamber are the official flags of the states through which suc- cessive generations of the Lincoln family passed, be- ginning with Samuel Lin- coln who emigrated from England in 1637. The Stars and Stripes stand in the center of the semi-circle and the President's Flag to the right. • Thousands annually visit Lincoln's Tomb in Oak Ridge Cemetery, Springfield. [Page Forty] ■MkX. The Lincoln Honnestead Sangamon County — Eighth and Jack- son Streets, Springfield, Illinois. The only home Abraham Lincoln ever owned, and now carefully restored to its original appearance, is open to the public from 9 a. m. to 5 p. m. daily. Robert Lincoln, Abraham Lincoln's oldest son, having inherited the property, presented it to the State of Illinois in 1887. The frame work and the floors of the house are of oak, the laths of handsplit hickory and oak, and the doors, window frames and weatherboarding of black walnut. The nails, sparingly used throughout, are all hand made. Many of the furnishings today are original Lincoln pieces and others are replicas or pieces appropriate to the period. Throughout the bitter campaign of 1860 this house was the scene of history in the making. Here in the parlors Lincoln received the com- mittee sent to request him to accept the nomination for the Presidency of the United States. It was to this house that he hurried on the evening of November sixth to tell Mrs. Lincoln that he had been elected. In this house on February 10, 1861, with a grand levee to which the public was invited, President-Elect Lincoln and Mrs. Lincoln bade farewell to Springfield. • Lincoln's Home, Springfield, restored to its appearance during the time ivhen the former president lived there. [Page Forty-One] • Ulysses S. Grant's Home at Galena is filled with interesting heirlooms owned bu the former president. Ulysses S. Grant Home Jo Daviess County — In Galena on United States Highway 20. 5 Acres The Ulysses S. Grant Home, which is now the property of the state, was donated to Grant bv the people of Galena and was his residence from the close of the Civil War until he moved to New York City in 1881, although during most of the period his official duties compelled him to reside else where In 1932 the City of Galena deeded this home and property to the State of lUinois, together with its heirlooms, including a goodly share of the furniture, a large arm chair that was Grant's favorite seat in the White House, the family china, military trophies and many souvenirs of his world wide travels. The home, now open to visitors, is kept in the same condition as it was when occupied by General Grant. The carriage the General used in Wash' ington is another interesting exhibit. [Page Forty-Two] Stephen A. Douglas Tomb Cook County — In Chicago at east end of Thirty-fifth Street and the Illinois Central tracks. 2 Acres In the center of Stephen A. Douglas Monument Park is the monument, tomb and statue of the famous orator. The State of Illinois acquired the site in 1865 and the monument was erected in 1877. Designed by Leonard Volk, the granite base of the monument has a crypt with a marble sarcophagus which contains the remains of Illinois' gifted son. At the four corners of the base are bronze allegorical figures representing Illinois, Histor>', Justice and Eloquence. On the base stands a shaft, 104 feet in height, which is surmounted by a bronze figure of Douglas. Flood lights illuminate the structure at night. [Page Forty-Three] • Stephen A. Douglas Tomb in Chicago. • Below, LaSalle Monument in Fort Creve Coeur State Park, Tazewell County. Ilnois and Michigan Canal Cook, DuPage, Will, Grundy and LaSalle Counties — Chicago to Peru. 3,742 Acres The Illinois and Michigan Canal, not quite 100 miles in length, from Chi- cago to Peru, has a water width of 60 feet and canal reserve of 90 feet on each side throughout its length. Since the completion of the canal in 1848 the canal reserves have been overgrown with many large trees and have assumed a park-like character. The Division of Parks has directed the preparation of this strip of water and adjacent land as a fine parkway for recreation purposes, thus adding to the State park properties 3742 acres. This property, with great historical interest, is accessible as a fine park property to many communities throughout its length. Sebhard Woods State Park Grundy County — At Morris near United States Highways 6 and 52. 33 Acres The gift of the citizens of Morris to the State of Illinois, Gebhard Woods State Park is one of the newer recreation areas in the state park system. It is situated adjacent to the state's parkway along the Illinois and Michigan Canal. Illini State Park LaSalle County, adjacent to Marseilles on United States Highway 6. 406 Acres With the completion of the Illinois Waterway by the State of Illinois and the U. S. Army engineers, certain lands adjacent to the Waterway which had to be acquired for its construction remained in the possession of the State. The Illini State Park, 406 acres in area, is one of these tracts of land. It is on the south side of the river opposite the city of Marseilles. Its custody has ^i>een transferred from the Division of Waterways to the Di- vision of Parks, and with the planting of many trees, the development of parking areas, water supplies, and shelters, the property is made available to the public as a new State park. • One of the delightful spots in Gebhard Woods State Park. [Page Forty-Four] • Air view of the headquarters of the Civilian Conservation Corps in Starved Rock State Park. Photo by Bloomington Pantagraph. The Civilian Conservation Corps Illinois State parks now present more attractive and usable facilities for visitors, and better preservation of native character than they have at any previous time in the state's history. Great credit is due the Civilian Conser- vation Corps. Through that agency at least a decade has been gained in the establishment of the conservation poHcies and the installation of facili- ties needed by park \asitors. Under the guidance of the state park staff, these government work units have aided not only in the development of those needed things but for the first time they have directed the attention of many thousands of Illinoisians to their state recreation system. The fine physical development of the enrolled men is not the least important beneficial result. The State of Illinois acknov/ledges with real appreciation these fine results of a cooperative scheme. The United States Army through Sixth Corps headquarters has managed the camps with its finest personnel and the National Park Service in Washington through its splendid corps of officers, inspectors and supervisory personnel has set high standards in design and performance. Among the many phases of park work done by the Conservation Corps are the clearing of forest fire hazards, building and marking trails for hikers and horseback riders, reforestation of marginal land, erecting trail shelters, museums, overnight cabins and lodges, development of picnic areas, building of park benches, tables and open fireplaces, installation of safe water supply systems and the building ot comfort facilities. [Pdq* Forfy-Five) Official List of Illinois State Parks and Mennorials Park or Memorial Location County Acres Acquirea Apple River Canyon State Park Near Warren Jo Daviess 155 1932 Governor Bissell Monument- Springfield Sangamon Black Hawk State Park Near Rock Island Rock Island 200 1927 Governor Bond Monument Chester Randolph BuflFalo Rock State Park Near Ottawa LaSalle 43 *1928 Cahokia Mounds State Park..,, Near East St. Louis St. Clair-Madison 144 1925 Campbells Island State Park„Xear Rock Island Rock Island 7 *1929 Cave-in-Rock State Park Near Cave-in-Rock Hardin 60 1929 Stephen A. Douglas Tomb Chicago Cook 2 1865 Stephen A. Douglas Statue Springfield Sangamon Stephen A. Douglas Monu- ment Winchester Scott Eighty-Second Illinois Infantry Monument Gettysburg. Pa Eighty-second Illinois Cavalry Monument Gettysburg. Pa Governor Ford Monument Peoria Peoria Fort Chartres State Park Near Prairie du Rocher.. Randolph 21 1915 Fort Creve Coeur State Park--_.Near Peoria Tazewell 17.5 tl921 Fort Edwards Monument Warsaw Hancock .5 *1932 Fort Kaskaskia State Park Near Chester Randolph . 57 1927 Garrison Hill Cemetery Near Chester Randolph 1891 Pierre Menard Homestead Near Chester Randolph Fort Massac State Park Near Metropolis Massac 134 1903 Gebhard Woods State Park Morris Grundy 3 3 *1934 Giant City State Park Near Carboncblc Jackson-Union 916 tl927 Gold Star Mothers Memorial ,_. Springfield Sangamon_ mini State Park Marseilles LaSalle 406.25 tl934 Illinois and Michigan Canal State Parkway Chicago to Peru Cook-DuPage-Will- Grundy-LaSalle 3742 $1935 Illinois Monument at Vicks- burg Vicksburgs. Miss. Illinois Monument at Shiloh Shiloh. Tenn Illinois Civil War Memorial Memphis, Tenn Illinois Soldiers Monument Mound City Pulaski Illinois Soldiers Monument Stillman's Valley Ogle Jubilee College State Park Near Peoria Peoria 96 *1934 Kenesaw Mountain Monument Marietta. Ga. Lincoln Log Cabin State Park. .Near Charleston Coles Lincoln Homestead Springfield Sangamon Lincoln Monument Dixon Lee [Pago Forty-Six] 86 1928 0.4 1887 0.5 1921 Park or Memorial Location Lincoln Tomb Springfield Lincoln Statue Springfield General Logan Statue Chicago .. General Logan Statue Murphysboro Lovejoy State Monument Alton Mctamora Court House Near Metamora Mississippi Palisades State Park .Near Savanna . County Acres Sangamon 7.2 Sangamon ...Cook .. Jackson . _.. Madison ...Woodford 0.2 Carroll 482 New Salem State Park Near Petersburg Menard _ 200 Norwegian Settlers Memorial Norway LaSaile Governor Oglesby Monument Chicago Cook Governor Palmer Statue Springfield Sangamon Pere Marquette State Park Near Alton (Grafton) Jersey 1670 898 Pierre Menard Statue Springfield Shabbona State Monument Near Ottawa Soldiers Monument Springfield _ Starved Rock State Park ._ Near l.aSalle Twelfth Illinois Cavalry Monu- ment Gettysburg, Pa._ 3 70th Infantry Monument Chicago Ulysses S. Grant Home Galena .Jo Daviess 5 Vandalia State House ....Vandalia Fayette _ _ 3 White Pines Forest State Park Near Oregon Ogle 315 Wild Bill Hickok State Monu- ment Troy Grove LaSallc 2 Governor Yates Statue Springfield _ Sangamon 2 Sangamon LaSalle ..... , Sangamon _. LaSalle .... — Cook * Gift, t Part Gift. $ State Lands Transferred to Parks. • Near Channahon, the old toivpath along the Illinois and Michigan Canal where once mules trod, again serves a useful purpose as a pleasure drive. [Page Forty-Seven] Acquired 1895 *1891 1929 tl919 ♦1934 191 1 tl932 1920 1927 1929 1929 / Ir ■< j>?* ,#V' *8.-'Sfc -Jf J!> k'i« fj^ia r^r^ 1 APPLE RIVER CANYON BLACK HAWK BUFFALO ROCK CAHOKIA MOUNDS CAVE -IN- ROCK FORT CHARTRES FORT KASKASKIA FORT MASSAC GEBHARD WOODS GIANT CITY I LLIN I JUBILEE COLLEGE LINCOLN LOG CABIN MISSISSIPPI PALISADES NEW SALEM PERE MARQUETTE STARVED ROCK WHITE PINES FOREST I LL A MICH CANAL fROM cv4icaco TO PLku cr> STEPHEN A DOUGLAS TOMB FORT EDWARDS WILD BILL HICKOK LINCOLN HOME LINCOLN TOMB LOVEJOY MEMORIAL NORWEGIAN SETTLERS FORT CREVE COEUR METAMORA COURT HOUSE VANDALIA STATE HOUSE COLES MEMORIAL GARRISON HILL CEMETERY PIERRE MENARD HOME ULYSSES S. GRANT HOME C AMPBE LLS ISLAND MT . PULASKI COURT HOUSE lOM 7-35 lOM 9-35 [Page Forty-Eight] j370