Union (Trail of Tears) Lookout
US 81, IL 2
July 3, 2017 photo
Lookout Details
| Registry Numbers | US 81, IL 2 (view other lookouts in United States, Illinois) |
| Date Registered | March 12, 1994 |
| Location |
Trail of Tears State Forest Union County, Illinois |
| Coordinates |
N 37° 28.792' W 089° 21.467' (view using Google Maps) N 37° 28' 47" W 089° 21' 28" N 37.479861° W 089.357778° |
| Elevation | 579 ft (176 m) |
| Built | 1936-1938 |
| Administered by | Illinois Department of Conservation |
| Cooperators | Illinois Department of Conservation |
Description
The Union Lookout, also known as Trail of Tears Lookout, is located in southern Illinois in Trail of Tears State Forest. It was constructed between 1936 and 1938 by the CCC. The 80’ steel tower with 7’x7’ cab is one of the few points from which visitors may view the Shawnee Hill Country. The unusual name relates to the forced move of 10,000 Cherokee Indians from North Carolina to Oklahoma in 1839. Because of floating ice in the Mississippi River the expedition camped near the site in January before crossing.
Map
Change Basemap
Photos
Union Lookout circa 1994
Visit Reports
July 5, 2017: Calvin Beckmann
Condition |
|
| Needs paint? | Yes |
| Shutters OK? | Not Applicable |
| Condition of wood OK? | Not Applicable |
| Stairs OK? | No |
| Glass intact? | Not Applicable |
| Good condition? | No |
| Comments: | Steel structure that has not been maintained. Most of the wood steps are missing, or rotten. Access to top of the tower is not possible. Paint is failing throughout, resulting in degradation of metal. |
Electronics and Enroachments |
|
| Are electronic sites enroaching on tower? | No |
Access and Signs |
|
| NHLR sign posted? | Yes |
| Directions to tower signed? | No |
| Comments? | Tower location has been identified on site maps and physical location is adjacent to South Forest Rd. |
Staffing |
|
| Staffed? | No |
Opportunities for Volunteer Support |
|
| Volunteers staffing opportunities? | No |
| Volunteer maintenance opportunities? | No |