In the early 1800's the Illinois country was the frontier, and many forts and outposts were vying for the role of "Gateway to the West". One competitor was Alonzo Higgens, a real estate developer from New York who travelled up the Wabash and followed the Vermilion River into the Illinois country. West of Danville he followed the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River into the Grand Prairie. Stopping at a point where the river was still navigable and ample firewood was available, he founded Higgensville — the Gateway to the West — and advertised lots for sale in the New York papers.

Higgensville today consists of only a few houses. It is better known as the most popular put-in point for canoeists enjoying Illinois' only National Scenic River.

The Middle Fork of the Vermillion River is permanently protected by state and federal law and National Park Service regulations. The Middle Fork of the Vermilion River - Gateway to North America's Grand Prairie. Another place claimed the honor of being gateway to the West.