A glacier moving through what is now East Central Illinois deposits glacial till
which the river subsequently cuts through. This creates the beautiful bluffs and unique
geology of the river valley.
8,000 Years Ago
First human inhabitants leave projectile points and other evidence of the earliest occupation of the Middle Fork valley.
1,000 Years Ago
Late Woodland Indians build ceremonial complex and burial mounds. Evidence of trading with Cahokia and other distant tribes.
100-200 Years Ago
Indians bring their dead for burial in Middle Fork Valley after battle of Tippecanoe. Kickapoo Indians leave for reservations in the west.
Late 1950s
The Corps of Engineers, promoters of a Wabash Valley barge canal, and a small group
of Vermilion county residents and developers propose damming the Vermilion River;
recreation, flood control,water supply and barge navigation are cited as benefits.
1964
The U. S. Army Corps of Engineers rejects reservoir plan because costs would exceed
benefits.
1966
Governor Otto Kerner, wanting to get Illinois into the dam-building business,
authorizes a study of the Vermilion River Basin. The State recommends a dam on the
Middle Fork because the water is cleaner than the other branches.
1967
Public hearing in Danville builds local support for reservoir. Governor Kerner
releases $1.6 million for dam project (total projected cost is $6.3 million); Vermilion
County requests higher dam and bigger lake. Citizens concerned about the cost of an
unnecessary dam and the environmental impact of flooding the valley begin to organize.
1969
State of Illinois purchases first parcel of land, telling opponents that land will be
transferred to Department of Conservation if a dam is not built. Conservationists propose
river corridor park.
New state funds for project begin to dry up. Governor Richard Olgilvie cites low
treasury as reason. Observers believe that environmentalists and economists have caught
his attention.
State of Illinois and Vermilion County Conservation District agree on a 3500 acre lake. Opposition intensifies as unique ecological qualities of the Middle Fork become well known.
1970-1971
First Middle Fork Appreciation Day attracts visitors from all over the state.
Opposition to reservoir plan spreads statewide.
Land acquisition continues utilizing original state funds and some from County
Conservation District.
1973
Legislature refuses to appropriate funds for land or construction; demands more
thorough studies. County seeks federal funds, which are witheld pending environmental
impact analysis.
Governor Dan Walker conditions State support for dam on environmental and financial
factors.
National Audubon Society announces opposition to reservoir. Other organizations
follow suit.
1975
Danville voters meet one of Gov. Walker's conditions by approving referendum to
pay part of water supply cost if reservoir is built.
Estimated cost of dam doubles to $12 million. Legislature defeats bill to start
construction; demands further analysis.
1976
Statewide opposition to this environmentally destructive, unnecessary project
stronger than ever (50,000 sign petitions calling for land to be used as river park).
Under cross-examination in legislative hearing, the State's Chief Waterway Engineer concedes
that reservoir water would be more expensive than alternatives, and that project
would have no flood control benefits.
State legislature refuses to approve funds for dam construction. Total cost
estimate hits $20 million. County Conservation District stops acquiring land. More than
5000 acres remain to be acquired.
Final attempt to revive project during legislative veto session fails 99-19.
James Thompson campaigns against reservoir plan; as governor, rejects bids to
revive project.
1978
State Water Survey report identifies numerous alternatives costing less than
$1 million. Governor Thompson offers Danville $300,000 to develop water alternative
supply.
Parks, nature preserves and wildlife areas established along river.
Archaeological site listed on National Register of Historic Places.
1980
State and federal funds build 170-acre lake on tributary stream, bringing to more
than 1000 acres the area available to public for flatwater recreation.
1986
Water company decides to double capacity of Danville's 60-year-old reservoir by
raising its dam.
Local developers petition legislature to revive reservoir project. Cost estimate
tops $40 million, for a project whose only additional benefit would be flatwater
recreation. Conservationists testify on recreational value of free-flowing river and
adjoining lands.
State law declaring Middle Fork the first permanently protected river in
Illinois passes by huge bipartisan majorities; cites outstanding natural, scenic,
recreational, ecological, historical and archaeological values of the river valley.
1987
State applies for federal protection under Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. Hearing in
Danville reveals widespread support for National Scenic River designation. Would be the
first in Illinois-Indiana-Iowa area.
1988
Interior Department completes intensive year-long evaluation of river's
qualifications; National Park Service recommends designating a 17-mile segment of the
Middle Fork as a National Scenic River.
In an unprecedented action, lame-duck Interior Secretary Hodel refused to
approve National Park Service recommendation, citing reasons unrelated to river's
qualifications. No action was taken during the closing months of the Reagan administration.
1989
Governor Thompson vows appeal to President Bush. Led by local Congressman
Terry Bruce, the Illinois Congressional delegation and eight national conservation
organizations supported the appeal. After a thorough review, incoming Interior Secretary
Manuel Lujan approves the National Park Service recommendation.
The Middle Fork becomes
Illinois' first National Scenic River on May 10, 1989.