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Cahokia Trace LbNA #50904

Owner:Adoptable
Plant date:Oct 13, 2009
Location:
City:Lawrenceville
County:Lawrence
State:Illinois
Boxes:1
Planted by:Jenjenz
Found by: Ladybowhunter1
Last found:Feb 27, 2012
Status:FFFFFF
Last edited:Oct 13, 2009
This is my first plant!!


History

The park is an important historical crossroad, the western most edge of the first land in Illinois ceded by Native Americans to the United States. The borderline runs through the park from southwest to northeast, and was set by a treaty made in 1795 at Greenville, Ohio, by General Anthony Wayne whereby Native Americans relinquished all claims to the land northwest of the Ohio River and east of a specified line. The area was called the Vincennes Tract. The western boundary running through the park was known as the Indian boundary line and is marked by decided jogs which corresponded to the original survey line.

The area was bisected by the Old Cahokia Trace, commonly known as the "Trace Road," which ran east and west just north of what is now U.S. 50, and was for many years the principal route from historic Vincennes, IN to St. Louis, MO and the west.


Clues

Enter the North part of Red Hills State Park off of US Route 50. (The park is divided in half by US 50) Follow this road until you see a wooden sign on the left that says Cahokia Trace. The trail entrance is just past this on the left marked with a wooden post. Parking is just ahead at the North Wind Shelter to the right. (Parking is not allowed on any of the grassy areas) Walk back to the trail entrance and follow it in until you see the 1st trail marker post and go left, following the direction of the arrow on the post. The path will twist and turn several times. You will then see a 2nd trail post marker. Turn right here, following the direction of the arrow on post. About 15-20 feet ahead there will be a 3rd post. Go to this post and stop. From this point go about 90 to 95 steps straight ahead.(DO NOT go left as indicated by the arrow on the post). Look to your left and you will see a tree that resembles an "upsidedown naked man". You will know what I mean when you see it!! The letterbox is behind this tree at the base covered in sticks, leaves, branches and bark. Please check for others on the trail before getting the box as it is not too far off the main trail. I have put a log behind the box to make sure that it does not end up down in the ravine. Please cover it back up with more leaves and things as needed.


Also, This park is noted for excellent morel mushroom hunting. There will likely be several folks in the woods, and not on the trails, in the spring. Extra caution is advised when retrieving the box during this season.


Thanks and Happy Hunting!!