Small Historic Town’s Fascinating Treasure | Alto Pass Illinois History and Geology
ฝัง
- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 27 เม.ย. 2022
- Located in the Shawnee Hills of Illinois near the foothills of the Ozarks is a former railroad town called Alto Pass. This scenic town boasts one of the best views in Illinois at a scenic viewpoint that looks out over Bald Knob Mountain in the Shawnee National Forest.
The 111-foot Bald Knob Cross is the main attraction in Alto, along with the very first Southern Illinois Vineyard. Rendleman Orchards an historic farm is, also, nearby these former 1870's railroad tracks.
The railroad is now a hiking path, this is popular with climbers and nature lovers.
My mother's birthplace. ❤ I remember when the train ran down the center of town and playing at the little shelter on the cliff.
Very cool! Yeah it’s hard now to imagine a train running that close to the bluffs.
Loved the video. Alto Pass holds a place in my heart. My dad’s side of the family is from there. They lived off of Milligan Hill Rd. I plan on buying some land up there and building a cabin when I retire.
It’s a beautiful area. A little piece of the Smoky Mountains in Illinois! Family connections run strong and I pray that your plans come through 😀
Thank you❤❤❤❤
My pleasure!
I just yesterday discovered your videos of Southern Illinois (I’m just starting to watch them) and… I love them! I lived with my parents in Carbondale for 6 years in the mid to late 70s. And even after I moved to California, I continued to return to So. Illinois most every year to visit with my parents. Over the years, I’ve been to Alto Pass and the Cliff View several times. But until I watched your video, I knew nothing about the Quetil Trail. Now, when I go back there for a vacation in early May, I want to check that trail out. Something else I never knew about before were tree imprints in rocks. And thank you for warning me about the snakes so I can avoid their hiding places. -Scott
Thanks a lot, Scott! Although our scenery is nothing compared to California, the hills of Alto have a certain charm that keeps me exploring. It must have been a great time to explore the area. It takes some looking to find those tree imprints, but well worth the extra time. Hope you enjoy your trip in May.
@@MarksofCuriosity Perhaps I’ve been living in California for so many years now that I take the place somewhat for granted. But I actually think that So. Illinois is just as beautiful in its own right. It’s funny, but when I lived there, I didn’t appreciate all that much just how beautiful it was. It wasn’t until after I moved away and started returning every year to visit my folks, that I really started to appreciate it.
Since you’ve done a great deal of exploring in So. Illinois over the years, what places (parks, trails, etc.) in the western part of Shawnee NF have you found to be good for wildlife in general, but especially birds, butterflies and wildflowers? Those are the things I’m most interested in when it comes to my own nature photography. Thanks!
I love Alto Pass. I had family in that area and still do. My great-grandfather and his brother built a lot of downtown Cobden.
My family has been in Cobden for generations. I am curious about your great-grandfather and his brother and whether I would recognize their names.
@@johnvitt9214 Peter Clemens was my great-grandfather and John Clemenswas his brother. Matthias Clemens was his Uncle. I am related to all the Clemens who lived in Cobden. I am pretty sure I know who you are. My father was James Ray.
I used to live there on and off with my mom and grandparents. It was also on Milligan Hill Rd as another commenter stated. I went one full year at the Cobden HS. So, many great memories.
It’s a beautiful rural community that is full of history and interesting geology!
I’ve been there on the wine trail many times and never knew this trail was there. That’s cool.
It’s a beautiful area and well worth checking out when you come back 👍
Nice video man!
Thank You! It’s a great area to explore 👍
Beautiful area . Thanks for filming it
It sure is and my pleasure 👍
My family line includes Smiths from Alto Pass. Lots of them.
Cool! Thanks for the comment
@@MarksofCuriosityYou are welcome. My great grandfather Benjamin (they called him Frank) Franklin Smith had a farm there and owned a appliance store downtown, back in the 1920s.
Love this!
It’s a unique and beautiful area 👍
@@MarksofCuriosity Do you know if the root beer seafood restaurant is open in Alto Pass?
@@MarksofCuriosity It's the root beer saloon.
I don’t think it is anymore, but it looks like everything is still inside, which is odd
History of Bush il
depending on your world view - quite a lot of what I've seen could be animal fossils
Southern Illinois has petrified wood in places
Very Cool! There's some interesting stuff out there if you take the time to explore. Thanks for watching!