West Twin Grove Camp Site

Plate No. 4.

Through the courtesy of the Ramey Family, the writer and party were given much valuable data and information pertaining to the early history of this historic spot, therefore honorary mention is herewith given to the sturdy and honest pioneer, the late T. T. Ramey, who was one of the few successful 49er's. Returning east again, he invested his hard earned gold in the rich alluvial "American bottom" lands of Madison County and upon which now stands the great Cahokia mound, together with twenty others of lesser magnitude. He was a close student of both God and man. He soon conceived the idea that the large mound should never be disturbed and if possible become the property of the state. Thus he kept in tact this great earthwork during his lifetime and it is with the same spirit that his children do likewise.

May we not hope that the State of Illinois shall in due time make this great mound group a state preserve and keep intact the great Cahokia Mound just as the Ramey family have done for many years?

The party making the Cahokia trip was composed of Milo Custer, G. Blumke, Mark Piper, S. W. Le Neve, Herbert Cox and the writer.

Charles M. Robinson.