The cultural roots of this area are deep, they contain a treasure trove of prehistoric and pioneer sites. Of significance, this area is along the ancient Native American highway now known as Edwards Trace. This important trail was a part of a prehistoric migratory route for bison and native inhabitants and the only overland trail through Illinois from Kaskaskia to Peoria. This route was used by most of Springfield's earliest pioneers traveling from the south to the Sangamon River Valley. The Pensacola community sprang up in the early 1800's in response to settlement along the Edwards Trace and is one of our area's oldest unexcavated pioneer sites. These sites will be destroyed forever, flooded under a lake we do not need.

The joint public notice of the US Army Corp of Engineers, Illinois EPA and Illinois Department of Natural Resources on page 4 recognizes "117 historic properties that are potentially eligible for inclusion to the National Register of Historic Places." The cultural inventory of this area has been documented and should not be lost.

Saving the land will allow ourselves and future generations the opportunity to explore the artifacts and rich history of these valuable cultural sites and share them with the world.