KIL-So-Quah Trail
KIL-So-Quah Trail
ABOUT THE TRAIL
In 1958 the 85th Congress approved the Flood Control Act authorizing the Mississinewa and Salamonie Reservoirs. The reservoir will operate primarily as a unit with the Mississinewa and Salamonie Reservoirs to reduce flood stages in the upper Wabash basin, and secondarily with other reservoirs downstream in reduction of the lower Wabash and Ohio river floods.The areas most directly benefited includes the cities of Wabash, Peru and Logansport, Indiana, and about 600,000 acres of agriculture and related developments.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers regulates the depth of the lake throughout the year. The Department of Natural Resources manages the lake and surrounding land for wildlife and recreation. Corn strips and wildlife ponds are some visible examples of present wildlife management. Seasonal hunting signs are posted in hunting areas. Bright colored clothing is recommended while hiking the trail in the fall.
The trail also passes near recreation areas. In those areas you'll find primitive camp grounds, launching ramps, archery range, a swimming beach and picnic shelter. During the summer these areas are alive with visitors enjoying the sun and open space. While hiking the Kil-So-Quah trail, you may be following in the footsteps of a Miami warrior, an early settler or a 1940's farmer. With history in mind, you may find your hike more exciting as treasures of the past unfold right before your eyes!
KIL-So-Quah Trail
PRINCESS KIL-SO-QUAH
PRINCESS KIL-SO-QUAH (SETTING SUN), granddaughter of Chief Little Turtle was born near the forks of the Wabash in 1810. Her mother told her it was when “the woods were filled with the Great Spirit's cheering smile” and “when the strawberry was in the woods’ (May).
Married at eighteen, Kil-So-Quah was alone by the age of twenty, for she had lost both parents and husband through death. A short time later, she married a trader of Indian and French ancestry, Anthony Revarre. Only two of their many children reached maturity; Anthony, Jr. and Mary. Both “Tony” and Mary attended the Roanoke Academy. Mary went west and taught in schools for the Indians in Oklahoma. Anthony, Jr. tenderly cared for his aged mother for many years and acted as her interpreter, for Kil-So-Quah never learned to speak English. She clung tenaciously to many primitive ways and relics of her ancestors. Until advanced years compelled her to move into a cabin, she lived in a wigwam. A small house was erected for her when the cabin was destroyed by fire.
During her later years, Kil-So-Quah spent most of her time quilting. She explained thus: “When | am busy, | think of my work. When | am idle, | think how poor and alone | am.” Reportedly one of “Indiana’s most noted celebrations” was held in Roanoke to celebrate Kil-So-Quah’s hundredth birthday anniversary. Over a thousand visitors entered her humble home during the celebration. Princess Kil-Go-Quah died on September 4, 1915 at the age of 105 years. At her death, Dr. Sylvanus Koontz, her personal physician, secured an appropriate box and carried out her request made eight years earlier. She wanted the bones of her husband, Tony’s father, buried with her. Kil-So-Quah was buried in the Glenwood IOOF Cemetery at Roanoke, Indiana.
KIL-SO-QUAH TRAIL MAP.pdf