The debris I find along the riverbank is an unfortunate sign of the times, but that pales to the ongoing debacle in the Gulf of Mexico now in its 58th day! The signs that our way of life are overly dependent on fossil fuels and petroleum in particular have been in place for some time now. The funny thing about signs is that after a while they become so familiar that they are also easy to ignore. I decided to visit a place I feel I’m familiar with and learn what I could from the other more literal signs that are around here and this is what I found. The further away from the park you are, the more likely you are to find signs that beckon or welcome you. The Ohio River Scenic Byway sign promises an adventure complete with the possibility of steam boats and church steeples if you only follow the road that runs parallel to the river. Next you come to a sign that alerts you to the historical significance of the town itself which is just outside the park.
As you travel from east to west in our country you run into all kinds of markers that are a reminder of how arbitrary the “west” actually is…eventually you do run into the Pacific Ocean which was Lewis and Clark’s eventual goal. There are several signs that lead you into the park starting with this rather modest example. Eventually things do build up leading you to the Interpretive Center with its limestone sign.
The historical significance of this place not only to our country, but to the world’s heritage is well-marked. I’ll start with the more recent sign that represents the effort to recognize the Lewis and Clark bicentennial. This expedition of discovery was one of the great moments of exploration and deserves remembrance. We had to remind the historians, however, that this area played a huge part in the overall trip and had to fight for the recognition which included lobbying on the highest levels.
At least the sign for the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail includes two representations of the explorers. I think it’s doubtful one of them wore a coonskin cap! Here’s the bronze plaque under the “official” statue (a story for another time!) explaining some of the significance of the voyage to the history of our country. And , one other plaque I found on the Interpretive Center honoring the fossil beds themselves.
Around the park are other descriptive markers that alert you to some of the attractions in the park. This sign describes the rich bird life that has been recorded here dating back to Audubon’s experiences.
The oddest signs in the park, however, describe two piles of dirt and rubble that I think we can thank the listed corporation for? They are used for educational purposes so kids in particular can have a fossil finding experience by sifting through this material.
Once you are in the park, however, one also encounters many signs that tell you what you can and cannot do. The park and Army Corps of Engineers have many rules and some of them alert you to potential dangers and hazards. Here are a few of those signs in the contexts in which they are found.
And if you break the rules…you better watch out because…
I can’t leave this post on this note, so just two more images. The first photo is the sign that gives credit where credit is due…and the last image is what it is giving thanks for! I know it is said that people no longer read, but if you pay attention to your surroundings, then you can learn all kinds of interesting things and ways to say them.
Artist at Exit 0 Riverblog 
Another interesting post from you Al! These signs provide a informative path through the area and are very well observed. You’re right, we do take signs for granted. What struck me was the ‘lure’ and ‘promise’ of the signs, beckoning people to explore. Once there – out came the rules:) You have to have rules though, about the sirens and the wall especially.
The strangest signs, I thought were the dirt signs, do they actually bury things in the dirt for the children to find? What an interesting area this is Al – you could double up as a tour guide:) I really like the Lewis and Clark sign! I wonder what this would look like if the river got to it? what makes you think one of them wouldn’t have worn a coon hat? that’s completely spoiled the romance of these legends now (:D)
Lynda, To be honest, I’m not sure about the coonskin cap issue. I don’t recall seeing any representations of Lewis and Clark wearing one. The coonskin is a cliche in my mind that actually holds together better with the popular images of Davy Crockett and Daniel Boone. Are you old enough to remember the actor Fess Parker who made a career in the movies and television playing both frontiersmen? I probably could be a tour guide for this area, but will settle for “unofficial” artist in residence. The signs idea I had kicking around in my head for awhile, but couldn’t decide how philosophical to get considering most people would regard this as a boring topic. Thanks as always for checking out my posts!
Seriously Al – you could do your own tours, you know so much about the area! I’m sure it would be informative and fun too! No, not heard of Fess parker but have watched old Davy Crockett programmes (with THAT hat on) 🙂
There’s a story Audubon liked telling about how he was able to win people to his printing project (The Birds of America) and sell subscriptions for what would become the most expensive book ever…by wearing his buckskin clothing. The romance of the frontier was an effective salesman.