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Of the three historical markers in Western Sangamon County, two denote the Potawatomi Trail of Death, a force-march of Indians from Indiana to Kansas. The other marker, next to the Potawatomi marker at Riddle Hill, denotes Colonel (later General) Grant's march through western Illinois toward Missouri during the Civil War.
For a map and a listing of the campsites, see: http://www.kansasheritage.org/pbp/people/trail_map.html.
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This marker is located on the south side of Old Jacksonville Road, just west of the New Salem United Methodist Church at Riddle Hill. It denotes the camp site at 'McCoy's Mill', which must have been located east of the marker's location on the Little Spring Creek at Riddle Hill.
The marker reads:
Potawatomi Trail of Death Sept 4 - Nov 4, 1838 McCoys Mill Encampment During a drought, 850 Potawatomi Indians were force-marched more than 600 miles from Indiana to Kansas. 40 died, mostly children. After a 17 mile march from the Sangamon River camp and through Springfield, they camped at McCoy's Mill near here. The Potawatomi left Sept 29, 1838 for Island Grove 2 miles west of Berlin. Erected by Rainbow Dancers Pow Wow Committee Clayville Folk Arts Guild 1995 |
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This marker is located on the north side of the Old Jacksonville Road, approximately 1/4 mile west of the Woodwreath Cemetery/Island Grove Methodist Church.
The marker reads:
Potawatomi Trail of Death Sept 4-Nov 4, 1838 Island Grove Encampment During a drought, 850 Potawatomi Indians were force-marched more than 600 miles from Indiana to Kansas. 40 died, mostly children. After a 6 mile march from McCoy's Mill east of here, the Potawatomi encamped at Island Grove. A child died a few hours after making camp. He is buried near this spot. The Potawatomi left for Jacksonville on Oct 1, 1838. Erected by Rainbow Dancers Pow Wow Committee Clayville Folk Arts Guild 1995 |
Island Grove Marker Location | | Riddle Hill Marker Location |
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