Sunday, February 17, 2008
Taum Sauk Mountain State Park | The Legend of Taum Sauk Mountain
Taum Sauk Mountain State Park | The Legend of Taum Sauk Mountain: "The Legend of Taum Sauk Mountain ~ A Native American 'Romeo and Juliet' story as told to John Russell, from the Kansas City Star, by 'Old Uncle Jim Connelly' back in 1953, the summer after the park became accessible by automobile to the public. Uncle Jim, an ex-railroad worker, who for many years ran a service station and tourist court from his home near Ironton, knew a host of stories and Indian legends tied up with the mountain."
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'Old Uncle Jim Connelly' was my grandfather, James L. "Pop" Connelly, as he was affectionately known in his later years. Grandpa lived in Ironton and was instrumental in the creation of the original Taum Sauk Trail, in fact, he is referred to as "The Father of the Taum Sauk Trail". He was known to many in the scouting community, particularly members of The Order of The Arrow Shawnee Lodge, who adopted and maintained the trail for many years, and was awarded The Silver Beaver, the highest honor given by the BSA for exceptional character and selfless service to the scouting community. A monument stands on the top of Russell Mountain in his honor, a rock pile created over the years by scouts who while hiking the trail placing a single rock on the pile as the pass. A great man, may he never be forgotten...
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