As a storyteller, I love a good legend. And Starved Rock State Park has a great one. Set in a place filled with natural beauty, the story involves conflict and tragedy, all woven into the fabric of the park’s history. Why not grab your coffee, sit back, and enjoy the legend of Starved Rock State Park along with this week’s jigsaw puzzle?
About Starved Rock State Park
Starved Rock State Park is located in Illinois, less than 100 miles southwest of Chicago. It spans over 2,630 acres. It features a diverse range of natural landscapes including sandstone canyons, waterfalls, and river valleys. The park is recognized for its unique geological formations and the natural beauty of its rugged canyons and seasonal waterfalls. Tourists have voted it the top tourist attraction in the state.
The Legend of Starved Rock State Park
The name Starved Rock comes from a Native American legend dating back to the 18th century. The most well-known version of the story is linked to Chief Pontiac, a key figure in the Native American rebellion against British control in the Great Lakes area during the 1760s.
Following a tribal council meeting that Chief Pontiac was attending, he was reportedly murdered by a member of another Illinois tribe. The Illinois tribe sought refuge from the wrath of the Ottawa atop a sandstone butte. This natural fortress provided protection on all sides due to its steep cliffs. The only access was through a narrow path up the rock.
The Ottawa and their allies, unable to storm the butte effectively, lay siege to it. They cut off access to food and water, effectively trapping the Illinois tribe atop the rock. Tragically, the siege lasted until the Illinois tribe, unable to escape or to obtain food or water, died from starvation.
Final Thoughts and Looking Ahead
Today, nobody knows if this tragic event is entirely true or embellished through years of retelling. Either way, it has been passed down through generations and has become an integral part of the lore surrounding Starved Rock State Park.
Despite its tragic history, Starved Rock State Park is a place where visitors can explore stunning canyons, waterfalls, and scenic overlooks, all while reflecting on the rich tapestry of natural and human history that defines this unique area. The legend of its naming adds a layer of historical intrigue and underscores the importance of storytelling in preserving our understanding of the past.
Did you miss last week’s Friday Morning Post and jigsaw puzzle? If you did, you can use this link to view A Virtual Visit to Shoshone Falls. If you want to check out all my posts and puzzles, click here.
My time was 9:59.
7:40
7:26. This one is in my neck of the woods and a beautiful park to hike.
From my research, it sounds like an amazing place. How wonderful that you get to enjoy it!
4:57 for this week.
Beautiful
4:53 was my time. Each puzzle is getting prettier than the last one. Thanks.
Thanks, Laura. I’m having fun bringing them to you.
7:41
11:36 for me. Another beautiful picture with a story. Love them. Reminds me of Red Rock Canyon where we used to go camping.
It is sad, tragic what man’s ego does to one another and the world around them.
But. IF people wee willing to learn. It would not be so bad.
How true, Della!
10:48 for me.
5:46
7:54 right side up the whole time
15.58. But halfway thru I had to leave it. When I returned, I was doing the puzzle upside-down on my cellphone, which made it very difficult. After I realized and corrected it to be right-side up, it went much easier!
Those darn cell phones! They need to do what we want them to do! 🙂
6:15 for me this rainy morning. it looks like a interesting place to visit!