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 and in 1944 the tract was designated a Research Natural Area by the Forest Service. Along with a 165- acre buffer, the area is managed to protect its unique qualities and is a National Natural Landmark. Along the trail there is a rock wall commemorating the Indiana Pioneer Mothers', who were instrumental in securing this tract. In the bottomland area was a prehistoric Native American village site. Extensive excavations have been done to study this Oliver Phase Mississippian village which dates to A.D. 1380. Archaeological sites are protected by federal and state law. Do not disturb or remove artifacts and notify the Forest Service if any are found.