Historical sites reopen; now go and visit them
By Sauk Valley Newspapers - What We Think - letters@svnmail.com
For supporters of outdoor recreation and historical preservation, Gov. Pat Quinn proved to be a man of his word.
As lieutenant governor, Quinn spoke out many times last year against Gov. Rod Blagojevich’s unwise closures of numerous state parks and historic sites – the action taken ostensibly to save money for the cash-strapped state government.
Then Blagojevich was impeached, convicted and sent packing in January, and Quinn, as Illinois’ new governor, set out to undo the damage. He started by announcing the reopening of state parks, including Castle Rock and Lowden.
He completed the task Thursday by reopening 11 historic sites, thus restoring the state’s complement of 49 historic sites to full operation.
Actions speak louder that words. Quinn’s actions demonstrate that he meant what he said.
We applaud the governor for finding the $800,000 necessary to reopen historic sites through June 30, and for ordering that they remain open during the next fiscal year.
As the tourism season begins, such places will attract visitors, and their money, to various spots across the state, boosting the economy.
Some reopened sites aren’t that far from the Sauk Valley, including Apple River Fort near Elizabeth, the site of a Black Hawk War battle; Bishop Hill Museum in Henry County, where Swedish immigrants founded a utopian religious community; Carl Sandburg’s home in Galesburg, where the Pulitzer Prize-winning poet and Lincoln biographer was born; and Hauberg Indian Museum in Rock Island, which depicts the daily life of the Sauk Indians.
Quinn has done his job. Now it’s the public’s turn.
Many people spoke out last fall in favor of keeping parks and historic sites open. Now the time has come to turn those words into action by visiting these places, enjoying them and supporting the nearby businesses.
After all, the state budget crisis is far from being over. As leaders keep an eagle eye on costs, attendance numbers certainly will be monitored closely.
To support state parks, Sauk Valley residents don’t have far to travel. Castle Rock, Lowden, White Pines, Hennepin Canal Parkway, Morrison-Rockwood, Franklin Creek, Prophetstown, Shabbona Lake and Mississippi Palisades are within easy driving distance.
However, only one state historic site is associated with the immediate region – Albany Mounds in western Whiteside County. It will take a bit more time and planning to see any others.
A trip to Galena could encompass at least four historic sites: the aforementioned Apple River Fort along the way, plus the Old Market House and the homes of President Ulysses Grant and Congressman Elihu Washburne.
A trip to the Springfield area in this Abraham Lincoln bicentennial year would snare even more state historic sites, including Lincoln’s New Salem, Lincoln’s Tomb and his law office.
We encourage people to take the time this year to visit state historic sites and parks. To budget-challenged state leaders, the public’s actions will speak louder than words.
