Silhouette of my Mom 1939

My mother photographed at Starved Rock Park, Illinois in 1939.

see link for information on St.Peter sandstone

Marian VanSickle Hendricks the year my parents were married (1939)

Sounds like a horrific history as I read the explanation of the naming of this huge park in Illinois. “

Here’s the story “Starved Rock State Park derives its names from a Native American legend of injustice and retribution. In the 1760s, Pontiac (Chief of the Ottawa tribe) was slain by an Illiniwek while attending a tribal council in southern Illinois. According to the legend, during one of the battles that subsequently occurred to avenge his killing, a band of Illiniwek, under attack by a band of Potawatomi (allies of the Ottawa) sought refuge atop a 125-foot sandstone butte. The Ottawa and Potawatomi surrounded the bluff and held their ground until the hapless Illiniwek died of starvation—giving rise to its name Starved Rock.”

Thirteen miles of hiking trails.

Starved Rock State Park is a wilderness area on the Illinois River containing steep sandstone canyons formed by glacial meltwater. A few canyons: St. Louis, French and Wildcat canyons have waterfalls. Wooded trails lead to Lover’s Leap Overlook, with views of the river and the dam. Park wildlife includes white-tailed deer, bald eagles and migratory birds, and reptiles. You can spend all day hiking and have lunch or dinner at the lodge.” Trip Advisor