​Rexroat Prairie

Prairie

Rexroat Prairie was established in 1976. It was named after Rollo Rexroat who was a self-taught botanist in Virginia, IL. Rexroat made a hobby out of collecting plants in Cass and surrounding counties and he even discovered a new sedge species.  Rollo Rexroat donated his collections to local colleges and the Illinois State Museum. Due to Rexroat’s declining health, he was not able to physically assist in the planting of the prairie.  Jack Calhoun, a close friend and retired game biologist, initiated the planting process. Prior to 1976, the five acres of Rexroat Prairie was an agricultural field. The field was disc plowed for a year in order to remove remnants and to cultivate the soil that would soon become the prairie. At first, Rexroat and Calhoun’s idea to create a prairie containing native Midwestern plants was met with criticism.  Fortunately, they were not deterred.  Once the prairie was established, the grasses flourished but the forbs (flowering, non-grass plants) suffered due to remaining chemicals in the former agricultural soil. Calhoun replaced the forbs in small sections over the years and they have since thrived. In order to revitalize the prairie, a controlled burn takes place every spring. The large fire can be seen from the roadway and draws in many visitors and intrigued bystanders.

 

Cabin

In 1986, the Rexroat Cabin was acquired from Harry Dotzert of Bluff Springs, IL. All of the logs were numbered and put back together into its original form when brought to the prairie. Several people helped to make necessary improvements to the cabin so that it could remain in good condition. The last known family to have resided in the cabin consisted of three adults and four children.  The age of the cabin is unknown, but it is speculated to date prior to 1860. Items in the cabin were graciously donated by local residents. A smoke house was built near the cabin similar to the one that was found originally.

The other cabin, the Dogtrot Cabin was brought to the prairie in 2002. It was originally found in Flat Gap, Kentucky and was built in 1850. Within the cabin, there is a cooking fireplace in the kitchen and a heating fireplace in the bedroom. In the bedroom area there is a loft, also used for sleeping.