Escapees March-April 2023

1830, provided 125,000 acres for home less offspring left behind by traders and trappers who lived with Native American women. Deroin’s French father and his Otoe Native American mother made him eligible for land here. After his trading post was built in 1853, Deroin laid out Deroin village. One source explained that St. was added in hopes of attracting more settlers. At its peak, St. Deroin had 300 residents, of mixed heritage. Undoubtedly, Deroin’s personality had a direct in fl uence on the happenings in that village. He was described as being overbearing and tyrannical, traits that may have caused his marriage to fail. While married to Mek-Ka-Ahu-M, he married two French Native American sisters, Julie and Soula Baskette. Deroin’s multiple marriages brought him eight children, but he lost his fi rst wife when she returned to the Omaha Reservation. The Missouri River, responsible for the growth of St. Deroin, gradually changed course away from the village which depended on supplies brought up the river. In the beginning, children, standing on the roof of the schoolhouse could throw their apple cores into the waters of the Missouri. Today, no one, even one of the best pitchers in the league, could manage that feat. Another factor in the demise of this village was a cholera outbreak responsible for many deaths, especially children. The existing St. Deroin Cemetery bears evidence of the deaths caused by that dreaded disease. Visitors to this park can also see Joseph Deroin’s grave located in this graveyard. In truth , he died an untimely death in 1858. It seems in an argument over a six dollar payment for a pig he’d sold, he stubbornly stepped over a fence after being warned off. James Beddow shot and killed him. His grave is rather unique in that history reports he was buried mounted on his horse. Several legends revolve around this burial ground. A fellow named A.J. Ritter thought he invented a new sensation, fi shing with dynamite. In doing so, he lost an arm. Later, he was buried in St. Deroin Cemetery. Some who believe in ghosts report that his ghost strides about on certain nights searching for his “lost arm” which was buried elsewhere.

Those interested in settlement history will enjoy the recreated schoolhouse, general store, and the interpretive log cabin near the old Deroin townsite. This park’s historical center houses maps, arrowheads, photos and other artifacts. A listing of 1880 trading post prices include one harness set $12.50; horse halter,75 cents; 1 pound bacon, 7 cents; 1 pound of coffee,15 cents; double-barrel shotgun, $9; and a prairie plow $25. Activities such as hiking, camping, horseback riding, fi shing and listening to living history presentations keep visitors busy and interested. As many as 22 miles of trails that wind up and down hills and valleys require a special stamina because of steep uphill climbing. Cross country skiing, sledding, winter camping, and Adirondack shelters interest winter visitors. Because this park’s east side is bordered by the Missouri River, water sports are popular. Anglers fi sh from the Missouri River banks for bass, cat fi sh, bullheads, carp and sturgeon or launch their fi shing boats from the boat dock. On summer weekends, a Heritage Program illustrates old-time crafts, such as making lye soap, candle-dipping and broom making. Also, certain weekends are reserved for Black Powder demonstrations including muzzle loading. This park’s varied landscape continues to retain its wild fl avor and diversity. Here, guests can climb wind-swept forested bluffs, fi sh for a hard- fi ghting cat fi sh, boat down the muddy Missouri, ski across snow-covered terrain, experience a stunning rainbow of fall colors and explore life during settlement days. Here is a park dedicated to those who prefer the scenic beauty of changing skies above a diverse landscape, the special joys of outdoor adventures, and the time for re fl ection and dreaming dreams. This is indeed a very special place, Nebraska’s Indian Cave State Park.

DOROTHY RIEKE began teaching at the age of 16 and continued to teach for over 40 years. After retirement, she has spent most of her spare time writing for magazines. She lives on a farm with her husband in southeastern Nebraska.

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ESCAPEES Magazine March/April 2023