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Friends and family erected a plaque in memory of Illinois Ozark explorer and journalist L.O. Trigg in July of 1950.
A group of Trigg enthusiasts had been trying to locate the marker with its location known only as "in the Ozark area." John O'Dell found the plaque last week.
Unlike historical markers -- there is one near the Trigg plaque for the Kaskaskia Trail -- there is no sign for Trigg's plaque and there is no convenient pull off area. The plaque is in someone's yard, though is viewable from the highway. When I went up to examine it nobody ran me off, though I knew I should have knocked on the door to state my purpose for being there Saturday.
The plaque reads:
Trigg Memorial Ozark Trail
In Memory of
L O Trigg
1879-1949
This road from Battery Rock on the Ohio River to Grand Tower on the Mississippi was dedicated in July, 1950, by followers of Mr. Trigg Who had learned from him to love the scenic wonders of this area and who affectionately called him
"COLONEL"
The plaque is on a pyramidal-shaped stone in a yard on the east side of the road midway between the Ozark General Store and Gum Springs Road.
Brian DeNeal grew up in the hills of southeastern Illinois and spends as much time as he can exploring the hollows, bluffs and creeks that draw tourists from throughout the Midwest. He is a staff writer for The Harrisburg Daily Register/The Eldorado Daily Journal and sits on the River to River Society board of directors. You may contact him via e-mail at the address bdeneal@ yourclearwave.com
