Old Abe at the Wisconsin State Capitol 1875
OLD ABE STATE TRAIL
Connecting the cities of Eau Claire and Cornell, the 34-mile Old Abe State Trail meanders through a variety of landscapes and environments including lively cities and communities, farmlands, forests, open fields, rivers, and lakes. This old railroad grade has been developed into a multi-use trail for bicyclists, snowmobilers, hikers, horse back riders and inline skaters. Portions of the route run closely along the Chippewa River and the eastern shore of Old Abe Lake—offering scenic views of the water and boating access. The Old Abe State Trail is part of a 76-mile trail system that also includes the Chippewa River State Trail, Duncan Creek Parkway Trail, and Red Cedar State Trail.
Trail map [PDF]
“OLD ABE” WISCONSIN'S CIVIL WAR EAGLE
The bicycle trail upon which you will embark is named for the Chippewa Valley's most famous Civil War veteran, an eagle whose name “Old Abe” surpasses all others and is the most famous animal mascot that ever served in the U.S. Army.
A Young 11 month old “Old Abe”
In 1861, an American Indian named Ahgamahwegezhig, or Chief Sky, a member of the Flambeau band of the Chippewa tribe, captured the eaglet from it's nest. Chief Sky later traded the surviving eaglet to Daniel McCann at Jim Falls for a bushel of corn. As it grew, Old Abe became too expensive to feed. McCann actively sought to sell the young eagle to the many units of Wisconsin troops passing through the Eau Claire area. McCann eventually sold the eagle for $2.50 to Capt. John E. Perkins, commanding officer of a militia company called the "Eau Claire Badgers. A local tavern-keeper S.M. Jeffers after being ridiculed for not contributing paid for the bird for the soldiers.
During its time awaiting muster at Camp Randall, the 8th Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry Regiment purchased a special, shield-shaped perch on which to carry their eagle. It was here, in Madison, Wisconsin where "Old Abe" was named in honor of our 16th President, Abraham Lincoln.
Old Abe participated in more than 30 battles and became a rallying point to Union troops and an anathema to Confederate soldiers, who set bounties on the "Yankee Buzzard." His service to the Union resulted in widespread fame, and his life after the war reflected the esteem with which Wisconsin and other states held him.
"Old Abe" and "Color Guard" of the 8th Regiment, Wisconsin Volunteer Infantry
It is good to know that he lived long and happily afterward at the aviary in the state capitol in Madison. He died in March, 1881, as a result of breathing smoke at the fire that took place at capitol.
There are so many stories about Old Abe that can be found in books and on websites. If you want to learn more, this is a video by Scott Mehus, Director on the National Eagle Center in Wabasha, MN that tells his story.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GEQ2D56nEdw
Hikers do not need a trail pass. Bicyclists and inline skaters 16 years or older are required to have a State trail pass in order to use the trail. Trail passes are available at https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/admission/trailpass.
The Geocache Notification Form has been submitted to the Wisconsin DNR. Geocaches placed on Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources managed lands require permission by means of a notification form. Please print out a paper copy of the notification form, fill in all required information, then submit it to the land manager. The DNR Notification form and land manager information can be obtained at the Wisconsin DNR website or at http://dnr.wi.gov/files/PDF/forms/2500/2500-118.pdf