Today’s journey was to a seldom visited cemetery call Martin-Hogan-Long Cemetery (N38°06.621 W86°14.238). It is in Harrison-Crawford State Forest, but by the looks of the road to get there, few have traveled this way, or at least not traveled there in a long while.
The bright sun made the 30° temperature feel warmer than it was. Something I would soon discover upon entering the thicker part of the forest ahead. Today’s hike was one mile one way, and I had a friend named Amanda join me upon this adventure.
After grabbing our gear, we scurried around the locked gate at the end of a gravel road. By crossing the gate, we moved from a public road to the State Forest property. I was armed with a GPS and printed map showing “overgrown, barely discernable fire lanes” as given to me by my contact, a local Indiana DNR–Division of Forestry Resource Specialist.
Amanda and I made our way downhill on the fire lane that quickly changed pitch and had us going upwards toward denser foliage. The grass below me was knee high in spots, and often thorns would grab my sweatshirt or pant leg.
As we passed an old tobacco barn on the right, a clearing ahead revealed an enormous oak tree that just appearing before me. It seemed to call my name and beg to be photographed. I obliged and ended up taking two on the way up to the cemetery and two more on the return trip.
The trail continued back into the forest, and finally we reached the summit of the ridge. To the right, we could see for miles. The bright sunshine, bare trees and elevation provided spectacular views. My GPS told me we were close to the cemetery.
Gingerly we made our way up a hill with the mud providing stability challenges that felt like I was walking on ice. When the muddy ground gave way to solid ground to the right, I could see the first headstone appearing from amongst the trees.
We made our way to the sign shown above; I grabbed a picture, then headed into the cemetery.
Upon researching, I found that approximately 39 souls laid buried on these grounds. From the sign I could see tall headstones, short one, broken stones and some that had been repaired. Like many other cemeteries I had visited, there were both head and footstones scattered throughout.
Amanda and I found the Martin’s, Hogan’s and Long’s amongst other plots. We could read some headstones, others we could not. We looked for a while. Admired this beautiful area in the middle of the woods, then headed back to the car.
She mentioned to me how much she enjoyed this adventure and how she “never knew this was back here“. I also was new to this place, but was happy to have her along with me as part of my book research.
On the way back to town, I drove the back roads to get to her car and shared wonderful conversation. It was a great day, and I am glad I could share this hike with her.
Tomorrow I am heading to another cemetery. I have 13 to hike to, photograph, and document. Tomorrow’s cemetery (#6 of 13) requires a short hike (one mile each way). The rest of them will be easy as they are within throwing distance of a road.
I have seen this so many times in the cemeteries I have visited. This quote from Andrea Gibson sums it up “Forests may be gorgeous but there is nothing more alive than a tree that learns how to grow in a cemetery“.
Until next time,
Tim (Kilmer)
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