Welcome to French Canyon, a captivating part of Starved Rock State Park located in Oglesby, Illinois. This area is not just a natural beauty but also steeped in rich history. The park itself, nestled along the Illinois River, has seen thousands of years of human activity, from ancient Native American cultures to early European explorers.
Starved Rock State Park, where French Canyon is found, owes its name to a tragic legend involving the Illiniwek tribe in the 1760s. Following the assassination of Chief Pontiac, the Illiniwek were besieged by the Potawatomi and Ottawa tribes on a sandstone butte, eventually starving to death, hence the name ‘Starved Rock’.
However, the story of French Canyon and its surroundings goes back much further. The area was shaped by the Kankakee Torrent, a massive flood from a melting glacier around 14,000 to 19,000 years ago, which carved out the canyons and cliffs you see today.
In terms of European history, French explorers Louis Jolliet and Father Jacques Marquette were among the first to traverse this region in the 17th century. By 1683, the French had established Fort St. Louis on what they called ‘Le Rocher’, the rock overlooking the Illinois River, where they maintained a presence until moving on in the face of British expansion.
Moving into the 19th century, the area became a popular vacation resort, drawing visitors to its natural beauty. This interest led to the land being acquired by the State of Illinois in 1911 to form a state park. During the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps built many of the park’s facilities, which remain a part of its historical charm.
Today, French Canyon is a highlight for park visitors. The canyon is one of 18 in the park, known for its seasonal waterfalls and lush vegetation, offering a stunning example of the park’s unique geology and natural beauty. As you walk through the canyon, imagine the many feet that have trodden this path over millennia, each leaving their mark in the rich tapestry of history.
