Exploring the Buffalo Trace Route
The historic Buffalo Trace spans roughly 130 miles across southern Indiana, cutting diagonally from the Falls of the Ohio (near Clarksville and Louisville) to Vincennes on the Wabash River. Created by migrating bison and later used by pioneers, its path is closely followed by modern U.S. Highway 150 and State Road 56.
The large heavy beasts had created a pathway. Used for hundreds of years by Native Americans, the path was very likely familiar to the French, who had founded a trading post at Vincennes in the early 1700’s, and who probably visited the mineral licks along the trace. Known as the Buffalo or Vincennes Trace, the travel way was as durable as any road built today. Modern roads have been built along portions of its route and early pioneers used the Trace to cross the state.
In places like Springs Valley State Fish and Wildlife Area you can still walk in the paths that they once took. The route that we have laid out is one that we drove.
George Rogers Clark Memorial
401 S 2nd St, Vincennes, Indiana 47591
The George Rogers Clark Memorial honors the frontier leader whose military campaigns played a major role in securing the Northwest Territory for the United States.
Historic Rose Hill Neighborhood
402 W Market St, Jeffersonville, Indiana 47130
The Historic Rose Hill Neighborhood showcases architecture, community history, and the character of one of the area's notable historic districts.
Indiana Landmarks Tours – West Baden Springs Hotel
Listed in Buffalo Trace Route, Tourist attraction
8538 W Baden Ave, West Baden Springs, IN 47469, West Baden Springs, Indiana 47469
The landmark hotels in French Lick and West Baden Springs—located one mile apart in southern Indiana—offer a fascinating window on the grand hotel era of the early twentieth century and the tradition of “taking the waters.”
Indiana Military Museum
Listed in Army museum, Buffalo Trace Route
715 S 6th St, Vincennes, Indiana 47591
Indiana Military Museum dedicated to fostering the memory, understanding, and appreciation of U.S. military history. This is accomplished by maintaining, preserving, and displaying artifacts which represent the strength and freedom of our American heritage
Jasper City Mill
164 Third Ave, Jasper, IN 47546, Jasper, Indiana 47546
The first mill was constructed in 1815 by Andrew Evans, and in 1820 the Enlow family began operating it. During the 1870’s flour was shipped by flatboat down the Patoka River to the Wabash and Ohio Rivers and as far south as New Orleans, Louisiana.
The old mill’s most famous visitor was young Abraham Lincoln, who came with his father, Thomas, in 1828 to grind the family’s grain.
Knox County Veteran Memorial Park
Listed in Buffalo Trace Route, Park
At the corner of 7th and, Broadway St, Vincennes, IN 47591, Vincennes, Indiana 47591
This impressive monument is dedicated to the veterans of Knox County who served in the civil war through current military engagements.
New Albany National Cemetery
1943 Ekin Ave, New Albany, Indiana 47150
Established during the Civil War, New Albany National Cemetery serves as the final resting place for Union veterans and military personnel from multiple conflicts. The beautifully maintained grounds offer a place for remembrance and reflection.
Ouabache Trails Park
Listed in Buffalo Trace Route, Park
3500 Lower Fort Knox Rd, Vincennes, IN 47591, Vincennes, Indiana 47591
The 254-acre park is a naturally wooded area featuring steeply rolling hills and low flatlands covered with deciduous growth. Activity options include river fishing (foot access only), nature study, wildlife observation, RV and tent camping, picnicking, hiking, wildflower walks, basketball court, and photography.
Pioneer Mothers Memorial Forest
Listed in Buffalo Trace Route, National forest
1 S Triangle Rd, Paoli, IN 47454, Paoli, Indiana 47454
This 88-acre old growth oak-hickory forest has been virtually undisturbed since before it was purchased by Joseph Cox in 1816. After being protected by the Cox family for 124 years, when a descendent died in 1940, the land was sold to a lumber company. It was prevented from being cut due to a community fundraising effort. The US Forest Service put up half the funds and the land was purchased back from the company with the agreement no trees would ever be cut. It became part of the Hoosier National Forest
Scribner House
110 E Main St, New Albany, IN 47150, New Albany, Indiana 47150
Joel Scribner, one of the three brothers who founded the city, built this property, the first frame house in New Albany. The chapter purchased the property in 1917
George Rogers Clark Memorial
The George Rogers Clark Memorial honors the frontier leader whose military campaigns played a major role in securing the Northwest Territory for the United States.
Historic Rose Hill Neighborhood
The Historic Rose Hill Neighborhood showcases architecture, community history, and the character of one of the area's notable historic districts.
Indiana Landmarks Tours – West Baden Springs Hotel
The landmark hotels in French Lick and West Baden Springs—located one mile apart in southern Indiana—offer a fascinating window on the grand hotel era of the early twentieth century and the tradition of “taking the waters.”
Indiana Military Museum
Indiana Military Museum dedicated to fostering the memory, understanding, and appreciation of U.S. military history. This is accomplished by maintaining, preserving, and displaying artifacts which represent the strength and freedom of our American heritage
Jasper City Mill
The first mill was constructed in 1815 by Andrew Evans, and in 1820 the Enlow family began operating it. During the 1870’s flour was shipped by flatboat down the Patoka River to the Wabash and Ohio Rivers and as far south as New Orleans, Louisiana.
The old mill’s most famous visitor was young Abraham Lincoln, who came with his father, Thomas, in 1828 to grind the family’s grain.
Knox County Veteran Memorial Park
This impressive monument is dedicated to the veterans of Knox County who served in the civil war through current military engagements.
New Albany National Cemetery
Established during the Civil War, New Albany National Cemetery serves as the final resting place for Union veterans and military personnel from multiple conflicts. The beautifully maintained grounds offer a place for remembrance and reflection.
Ouabache Trails Park
The 254-acre park is a naturally wooded area featuring steeply rolling hills and low flatlands covered with deciduous growth. Activity options include river fishing (foot access only), nature study, wildlife observation, RV and tent camping, picnicking, hiking, wildflower walks, basketball court, and photography.
Pioneer Mothers Memorial Forest
This 88-acre old growth oak-hickory forest has been virtually undisturbed since before it was purchased by Joseph Cox in 1816. After being protected by the Cox family for 124 years, when a descendent died in 1940, the land was sold to a lumber company. It was prevented from being cut due to a community fundraising effort. The US Forest Service put up half the funds and the land was purchased back from the company with the agreement no trees would ever be cut. It became part of the Hoosier National Forest
Scribner House
Joel Scribner, one of the three brothers who founded the city, built this property, the first frame house in New Albany. The chapter purchased the property in 1917
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