Wild Bill Hickok Memorial facts for kids
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| Coordinates | 41°27′58″N 89°5′1″W / 41.46611°N 89.08361°W |
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| Location | Troy Grove, LaSalle County, Illinois, U.S. |
| Completion date | 1929 |
The Wild Bill Hickok Memorial is a special place in Troy Grove, Illinois. It is a state historic site, which means it is a protected area that teaches us about history. This memorial is managed by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.
You can find the memorial in a small park. It is at the corner of Main and Ottawa Streets. This site is important because it marks the exact spot where a famous person, “Wild Bill” Hickok, was born.
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What is the Wild Bill Hickok Memorial?
The Wild Bill Hickok Memorial is a granite monument. It has a special plaque on it. This plaque honors Wild Bill Hickok. It talks about his important work as a scout and a spy. He served in the western parts of the United States. This was during the American Civil War. He also worked as a frontier express messenger.
The monument was officially opened on August 29, 1930. It helps people remember Wild Bill Hickok's contributions. It also teaches visitors about a part of American history.
Who was Wild Bill Hickok?
James Butler Hickok, known as "Wild Bill," was born in Troy Grove, Illinois. He lived from 1837 to 1876. He became a well-known figure in the American Old West. He was known for his skills and adventures.
His Role in History
During the American Civil War (1861–1865), Wild Bill Hickok played a role as a scout. A scout is someone who explores ahead of a group. They gather information about the land or enemy. He also worked as a spy. A spy secretly collects information.
After the war, he became a frontier express messenger. This job involved delivering important messages or goods. He traveled across the wild western lands. This was often dangerous work. The memorial celebrates these parts of his life.
Visiting the Memorial
The Wild Bill Hickok Memorial is a quiet park. It is a good place to learn about history. You can see the monument and read the plaque. It helps you imagine what life was like in the Old West. It also shows how people like Wild Bill Hickok helped shape the country.
