The Alexander Buel House is a State Historic Site with ties to the Trail of Tearsâthe forced migration of tens of thousands of Native Americans from the Southeastern United States to territory west of the Mississippi River from approximately 1830 to 1850. While the house was built after the major forced migration of the Cherokee people from their homeland in Georgia that took place from 1838-39, Cherokees undoubtedly passed by the site, as it was the landing point on the Illinois side of the Ohio River. There are indications that Cherokees would later stop by the Buel House on their way to visit Georgia.
Built by A. H. Buel, who received a deed to the lot 18 October, 1841 from Daniel Field. Family members, some of whom lived in the house until 1986, thought Mr. Buel, a tanner, built the house shortly after the deed was executed. The Buels came to Golconda in 1836. They witnessed the 1838-39 Cherokee Trail of Tears and told the story of feeding pumpkin to two weary travelers. A son, James William, was a renowned non-fiction author in the late 1800’s and early 1900’s.
The property was purchased by Frank J. Mason, Springfield, who presented it to Governor Jim Edgar for the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency in 1992. The site is open by appointment with Pope County Historical Society.
Golconda Historic District, East Main Street, Golconda, IL, USA
Distance: 0.20 mi (straight line)
Dixon Springs State Park, Illinois 146, Golconda, IL, USA
Distance: 10.05 mi (straight line)
River to River Trailhead, Elizabethtown, IL, USA
Distance: 11.33 mi (straight line)
Walks and Hikes Outdoor Experiences
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Historic Rose Hotel, Main Street, Elizabethtown, IL, USA
Distance: 11.35 mi (straight line)
Tower Rock Campground, Shawnee National Forest, Tower Rock Road, Elizabethtown, IL, USA
Distance: 15.26 mi (straight line)
Gower House Historic Site, North Court Street, Smithland, KY, USA
Distance: 15.89 mi (straight line)
Picnic Rd, Herod, IL 62947, USA
Distance: 17.49 mi (straight line)
Viewpoints Walks and Hikes Outdoor Experiences RV and Camping
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Cave-In-Rock State Park, New State Park Rd, Cave-In-Rock, IL, USA
Distance: 19.46 mi (straight line)
RV and Camping Viewpoints Lodging Walks and Hikes Outdoor Experiences
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Kincaid Mounds State Historic Site, Newcut Road, Brookport, IL, USA
Distance: 19.62 mi (straight line)
General History Tribal Experiences
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Fort Massac State Park, East 5th Street, Metropolis, IL, USA
Distance: 19.69 mi (straight line)
Holiday Inn Paducah Riverfront, an IHG Hotel, North 4th Street, Paducah, KY, USA
Distance: 19.86 mi (straight line)
Downtown Paducah Farmer Market, North 2nd Street, Paducah, KY, USA
Distance: 19.92 mi (straight line)
Festivals and Events Food and Drinks
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The National Quilt Museum, Jefferson Street, Paducah, KY, USA
Distance: 19.98 mi (straight line)
Galleries and Venues Museums and Interpretive Centers Guided Tours
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Paducah Wall to Wall, South Water Street, Paducah, KY, USA
Distance: 20.00 mi (straight line)
Galleries and Venues Guided Tours
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215 Jefferson St, Paducah, KY 42001, USA
Distance: 20.00 mi (straight line)
200 N 2nd St, Paducah, KY 42001, USA
Distance: 20.00 mi (straight line)
River Discovery Center, South Water Street, Paducah, KY, USA
Distance: 20.04 mi (straight line)
Museums and Interpretive Centers
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PAPA Gallery, Broadway Street, Paducah, KY, USA
Distance: 20.05 mi (straight line)
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