Mossy Feet Books – Author Paul R. Wonning
Books About Indiana History, United States History and Garden Guides
Corydon Indiana, in Harrison County, served as Indiana’s second Territorial capital and later as the first state capital. Vincennes had been the Territorial Capital from 1800 until 1813, when it moved to Corydon. Continue reading Podcast – Indiana’s Second Capitol, Corydon, Indiana
Today we will visit the 7 covered bridges in southeastern Indiana. Continue reading Video – The Covered Bridges of Southeastern Indiana
Francisco Vasquez de Coronado’s fleet departed San Miguel de Culiacán on their quest to explore what the area of the Colorado River on April 22, 1540. Hernando de Alarcón would depart by ship in May. The plan was for Alarcón to find the mouth of the Colorado River, sail up it and rendezvous with Coronado’s overland expedition. Continue reading Podcast – Coronado’s Search For The 7 Cities Of Gold
In this episode I will talk about the subject my newest book, Versailles State Park. Continue reading Video – Versailles State Park
Hernando de Soto lived from October 21, 1496 until May 21, 1542. His parents were members of a minor Spanish nobility class called Hildagos. As nobility, they would pay no taxes, however they had little property. He spent his childhood migrating with his family between 3 towns in southwest Spain. As he matured, he attended the University of Salamanca, courtesy of a family friend’s generosity. During his early life tales of the adventures of the Spanish conquistadors circulated widely among the people. Intrigued by the possibility of wealth and fame, he decided to become one of these adventurers. Continue reading Podcast – Hernando De Soto’s Expedition to the Mississippi River
Versailles State Park, located east of Versailles Indiana on US Route 50 is Indiana’s second largest state park. It includes 5905 acres, the 230-acre Versailles Lake, a public swimming pool and one of the finest campgrounds in the Indiana State Park system. The northern area of the park features an extensive Mountain Bike trail system. Horse trails occupy the southern reaches. Continue reading Podcast – Versailles State Park
Charles V, Holy Roman Emperor granted Spanish conquistador Pánfilo de Narváez a license to claim the gulf coast of what is now the United States. Continue reading Podcast – Pánfilo de Narváez Explorations
Today I will talk about the The Milan ’54 Museum in Milan, Indiana. Continue reading Video – The Milan “54 Museum
Capping off a series of strong basketball teams over a number of years,tiny Milan, Indiana defeated basketball giant Muncie Central in a true Hoosier Barn Burner with a last second, top of the key shot. Milan had defeated Muncie Central 32 – 30 on March 20, 1954. Continue reading Podcast -The Milan ’54 Museum
By the time of da Verrazzano’s expedition many began to suspect that Columbus had not visited Asia. Instead he had found an entirely new land. German geographers Martin Waldseemuller and Matthias Ringmann published a map in 1507 that depicted the discoveries as part of a new world in 1507. Continue reading Podcast – The Explorations of Giovanni da Verrazzano
His small fleet included four ships and departed on May 9, 1502. His stepbrother Bartolomeo, Diego Mendez, and his 13-year-old son Fernando accompanied him. During the final leg of the voyage, he encountered a hurricane that was brewing, so he did stop at Hispaniola to warn the governor. The governor ignored his warning and sent a 28-ship fleet laden with treasure on its way. The ships did encounter the hurricane, which sank 24 of the 28 ships. Columbus had placed some of his possessions on one of the ships and this ship was one of the survivors. Continue reading Christopher Columbus’ Fourth Voyage, Death and His Wanderings After Death
Suspension Bridge
The Suspension Bridge crosses Sugar Creek, connecting Trail 1 on the south side with Trails 3 and 4 on the north side. Completed in 1918 the bridge was constructed by the Lafayette Engineering Company. It replaced an earlier suspension bridge built on the site. The bridge is 202 feet long. Steel cables support the 4-foot-wide deck as they carry foot traffic across Sugar Creek. The 70 Steps Concrete staircase to the bridge was built in 1921. The cables are anchored in a fifty-ton concrete base. Continue reading The Ladders Trail at Turkey Run State Park
Versailles State Park Geology
The geology of Versailles State Park is interesting because Laughery Creek at this point is the dividing line between two geologic provinces, the Muscatatuck Continue reading Sample Chapter – Versailles State Park
Versailles State Park is a prime destination for those that enjoy mountain biking, hiking, camping and picnicking. Over 30 miles of mountain bike trails that double as hiking trails and 6 miles of dedicated hiking trails, those seeking a nature adventure will find a mecca of enjoyment. The 226-site electric campground offers a wonderful, relaxing way to spend time in the great outdoors.
The book Versailles State Park book also serves as a tourism guide for Ripley County, Indiana as it includes an extensive listing of local attractions like museums, movie theaters, golf courses and many other fun day trip ideas. Continue reading Versailles State Park
Today I will introduce you to some of the covered bridges of Parke County. Continue reading The Bridges of Parke County
Trail 3 is a rugged, .8 long hike and has 3 access points, one of which is the Canyon Inn’s parking area, another is a small parking lot along the main park road and the 3rd is near the Stoney Restroom and amphitheater. Continue reading Podcast – Hiking Trail 3 at McCormick’s Creek State Park
The trail is rated as a moderate hike, 2 mile hike. Hikers will find themselves in a deep forest populated by beech, maple, tulip poplar and many other hardwood trees native to Indiana. The trail connects via a short spur to the campground at McCormick’s Creek and to Trail 8 on the eastern and western parts of the trail. Continue reading Video – Trail 5 – McCormick’s Creek State Park
About a month after Columbus’ ships departed Hispaniola a fierce storm blew up. Heavy winds tossed the ships on tall, angry waves. The storm’s intensity increased. Columbus, fearing that the ships would perish in the storm, prepared a written account of the voyage, rolled it up, sealed it with wax and stuck it in a bottle, which he corked and sealed with more wax. He hoped that if the ships sank, some account of the voyage would be found, he tossed the bottle into the raging seas. Continue reading Podcast – Columbus’ Crew Imprisoned, Released and the Return to Spain
The trail is rated as a moderate hike, 2 mile hike. Hikers will find themselves in a deep forest populated by beech, maple, tulip poplar and many other hardwood trees native to Indiana. The trail connects via a short spur to the campground at McCormick’s Creek and to Trail 8 on the eastern and western parts of the trail. Continue reading Podcast – Trail 5 – McCormick’s Creek State Park
After leaving Cuba the captain of the Pinta, Martín Alonso Pinzón, took off on his own. Continue reading Podcast – Division of the fleet, First Spanish Settlement, Mermaids and Return to Spain
Mossy Feet Books - Author Paul R. Wonning 