Park of the month: Mississippi Palisades State Park

Located in Carroll County alongside the Mississippi River, Mississippi Palisades State Park is an excellent location for outdoor activities during any month of the year, even the winter months.

It is a little known fact that February is an especially good time of year for bird watching in Illinois. Mississippi Palisades State Park is home to about 200 different species of birds. Species include golden eagles, red-tailed hawks and purple finches. In recent years, the Bald Eagle population of Carroll County has climbed, making Mississippi Palisades State Park an ideal place to spot the majestic birds during January and February. The park is also a destination for other popular winter activities such as cross country skiing, sledding and ice fishing.

During the warmer months, Mississippi Palisades State Park attracts visitors with fifteen miles of hiking trails that follow the same paths that have been used for centuries to traverse the steep cliffs that line the river. The park is also known for its first-rate picnic and camping facilities, open May through October, which were constructed with great care by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the 1930s.

Due to natural erosion along the Mississippi River, there are many interesting geological features to explore along the palisades. These formations are visible from the river, where boating and canoeing are popular. Some rock formations along the palisades have been designated as national landmarks by the U.S. Interior Department.

During the fall and spring, Mississippi Palisades State Park is a destination for hunters. The wild turkey archery season in spring and the three-day firearm deer season in November attract hunters to this striking plot of land along the river.

For birding, hunting, fishing, hiking, boating and much more, the natural beauty and diverse, local wildlife of Mississippi Palisades State Park never disappoint.

Throwback Thursday: Illinois was the first state to ratify the 13th Amendment

On Feb. 1, 1865, Illinois became the first state to ratify the 13th Amendment of the Constitution, which officially ended slavery and involuntary servitude. Ratifying the 13th Amendment was one of President Lincoln’s top priorities. Unfortunately, he was not alive to see the amendment become law. 

In order to propose a constitutional amendment, both the House and the Senate have to approve a resolution to amend the Constitution by a two-thirds majority. Then the proposal goes to the state legislatures to ratify. In order for an amendment to become law, three-fourths of the state legislatures must approve it.

The amendment was not formally adopted until Dec. 6, 1865, when Georgia became the 27th of 36 states to ratify the amendment. Lincoln was assassinated on April 14, 1865.

The amendment was drafted by Senator Lyman Trumbull, who chaired the Senate Judiciary Committee, in Alton. Senator Trumbull was an old friend of President Lincoln.

The 13th Amendment wasn’t the first step toward ending slavery. President Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on Jan. 1, 1863, freeing slaves across the South. The Emancipation Proclamation was an executive order and was issued during the Civil War as a war measure to suppress rebellion in non-Union states. The 13th Amendment solidified freedom from slavery and indentured servitude once the Civil War ended.

Community Spotlight: Community Essay Contest

As yesterday marked the beginning of Black History Month, there are a series of events happening all month long, that highlight various individuals and the contributions they’ve made to American history.

The John A. Logan Museum located in Murphysboro, will host an essay contest for elementary, middle, and high school students in the Murphysboro area.

The contest recognizes and celebrates the many achievements of black Americans and their roles in U.S. history. Contestants are encouraged to focus on notable African Americans and the Civil War.

All essays must be submitted by February 15. The contest winners will receive a cash prize and be announced at a grand reveal, on February 26, 2017.

Because the contest celebrates Black History Month, the topics will focus on notable African Americans and the Civil War.

For more information please visit: http://thesouthern.com/calendar/community/essay-contest--the-john-a-logan-museum-murphysboro/event_9ea9a0a4-d9ba-11e6-962a-308d99b2b460.html

Woodstock, Illinois residents prepare for annual Groundhog Day festivities

As Feb. 2 quickly approaches, residents of one Illinois town are preparing to celebrate a holiday that has made the town internationally famous.

Woodstock, located 51 miles northwest of Chicago, was the filming location of the movie “Groundhog Day.” Although the film is set in Pennsylvania, director Harold Ramis loved the quintessentially American feel of the Woodstock town square and surrounding neighborhoods.

The lead role of the film would even be played by an Illinois native, Bill Murray, who was born in Evanston and raised in Wilmette.

Since the filming in 1992, Woodstock has held celebrations every Groundhog Day to commemorate both the holiday and the film that was described by the American Film Institute as the “eighth best fantasy genre film” in history.

Different events happening in Woodstock on Groundhog Day include a dinner dance, free screenings of the movie and walking tours showcasing town landmarks seen in the film. For a full schedule of events, you can visit the Woodstock Groundhog Days Committee website.