Wyoming, Park County, near Meeteetse
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Less conspicuous than the pronghorn antelope and the golden eagle is an even more ancient inhabitant of the high plains and valleys of Wyoming, the prairie rattlesnake. Feared by many and respected by most, these pit vipers (so-called because of their heat-sensing facial pits, used to detect warm-bodied-prey) are common in the eastern two-thirds of the state in all but alpine habitats. During winter these snakes hibernate in underground dens for up to eight months. In spring they migrate away from the dens in search of food (typically rodents and other small mammals) and mates. Studies show that they move from the den in virtually a straight-line path covering perhaps several miles until they find a food source. They stay on their fixed-angle course by using the sun as a navigational aid. When the temperature cools in fall, the snakes return to the same den.
The habitat around you no doubt contains many of these secretive and fascinating reptilian hunters, but there is really very little to fear. Though they are poisonous and seemingly hostile, evidence indicates the chances of being bitten are virtually nil, as long as the snake is not touched, provoked, or frightened. Since rattlesnakes are deaf and cannot actually hear rattling, this behavior is believed to be defensive. A rattling rattlesnake is simply trying to warn or drive off another creature it perceives to be a threat. If you encounter a prairie rattlesnake, give it plenty of room and you will be in no danger – it’s probably more frightened than you are. Allow the snake to go on its way and hunt prey like its ancestors have done in this area for thousands and thousands of years. The prairie rattler may not earn your admiration, but it deserves respect as a fascinating and important element of Wyoming’s wildlands.
(Animals) Includes location, directions, 5 photos, GPS coordinates, map.
Less conspicuous than the pronghorn antelope and the golden eagle is an even more ancient inhabitant of the high plains and valleys of Wyoming, the prairie rattlesnake. Feared by many and respected by most, these pit vipers (so-called because of their heat-sensing facial pits, used to detect warm-bodied-prey) are common in the eastern two-thirds of the state in all but alpine habitats. During winter these snakes hibernate in underground dens for up to eight months. In spring they migrate away from the dens in search of food (typically rodents and other small mammals) and mates. Studies show that they move from the den in virtually a straight-line path covering perhaps several miles until they find a food source. They stay on their fixed-angle course by using the sun as a navigational aid. When the temperature cools in fall, the snakes return to the same den.
The habitat around you no doubt contains many of these secretive and fascinating reptilian hunters, but there is really very little to fear. Though they are poisonous and seemingly hostile, evidence indicates the chances of being bitten are virtually nil, as long as the snake is not touched, provoked, or frightened. Since rattlesnakes are deaf and cannot actually hear rattling, this behavior is believed to be defensive. A rattling rattlesnake is simply trying to warn or drive off another creature it perceives to be a threat. If you encounter a prairie rattlesnake, give it plenty of room and you will be in no danger – it’s probably more frightened than you are. Allow the snake to go on its way and hunt prey like its ancestors have done in this area for thousands and thousands of years. The prairie rattler may not earn your admiration, but it deserves respect as a fascinating and important element of Wyoming’s wildlands.
(Animals) Includes location, directions, 5 photos, GPS coordinates, map.
Brig. Gen. A. R. Johnson and 30 CSA raiders took city, capturing 50 guns, hospital supplies, and commissary stores July 17, 1862, then raided Newburg, Ind. and returned to Henderson. Threat of Morgan's Raiders prevented USA Hdqrs. at Louisville from sending relief. July 22 troops arrived here from Evansville, Ind., but CSA troops had abandoned area.
By Kentucky Statute, Dec. 1798, effective, May 1799, the county of Henderson was formed out of part of Christian. Named to honor Col. Richard Henderson, founder of the Transylvania Land Company, which was granted land on Green and Ohio Rivers by Va. Gen. Assembly, 1778, to compensate for voiding purchase of land from Cherokees in Eastern Kentucky. Park named for Company.
A dynamic orator, Stanley became nationally known for investigation of U.S. Steel Corp., while serving six terms in U.S. House, 1903-15. Born in Shelbyville, 1867, he moved to Henderson in 1898, and entered politics. Gov. of Ky., 1915-19; U.S. Senator, 1919-25. Chaired International Joint Commission to mediate disputes arising along U.S.-Canadian border. Died 1958.
Site of home of three generations of Kimmels. Indian fighter, Civil War Major (CSA) Manning M. bought it in 1872. His son, Husband E., born here, 1882. He graduated at Annapolis, 1904. Named Commander-in-Chief of US Fleet, Feb. 1, 1941. Stationed at Pearl Harbor when infamous attack came Dec. 7, 1941. His three sons naval officers in WW II. Manning killed in action.
During the time of the Civil War local home guard mobilized in Sunset Park to protect the city from impending rebel raids and attacks from hostile gunboats operating on the Ohio River.
Rockaway Valley
Dixon Homestead
Home of Miller / Dixon Family for eight generations. Dutch stone house circa 1760. Forge keeper’s house 1830. Present mill 1855. Victorian house 1857. Barn 1860.
Morris County Heritage Commission
Montville School
Dedicated to the Memory
In response to the East Texas oil boom, Delta Drilling Company was founded in 1931 by Bob Stacy, Sam Dorfman, and Joseph Zeppa. Originally housed in an apartment at this site, the firm moved to Tyler in 1937. Delta drilled many of the oil wells that brought wealth to this part of the state and soon expanded over much of the western hemisphere and into parts of Africa and Europe. The enterprise now includes gas processing plants, exploration and production divisions, and has become a technological leader in land-based drilling operations.
