Big Basin Prairie Preserve
The Big Basin Prairie Preserve in Kansas encompasses a significant sinkhole system, most notably the mile-wide Big Basin and the water-filled St. Jacob's Well. These geological features, formed by sinkhole activity, are historically notable as resting places for the Northern Cheyenne and landmarks for cattle drives. The preserve is a designated National Natural Landmark, managed to protect its unique landscape and wildlife.
Key Facts
- ›The Big Basin is approximately one mile in diameter and 100 feet deep.
- ›St. Jacob's Well is a water-filled sinkhole within the Little Basin.
- ›St. Jacob's Well is 84 feet wide and 58 feet deep, and has never been known to go dry.
- ›The preserve was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1978.
- ›The area was a historical campsite for the Northern Cheyenne during their 1878 exodus.
- ›The Big Basin was used as a landmark and watering site for northbound cattle drives.
Big Basin Crater-Like Depression, St. Jacob's Well Water-Filled Sinkhole, Northern Cheyenne Historical Campsite, Cattle Drive Landmark
Freshwater
Buffalo, Pronghorn
About Big Basin Prairie Preserve
The Big Basin Prairie Preserve, situated in the Red Hills of Clark County, Kansas, is a significant natural area managed by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. The preserve's most notable geological features are the Big Basin, a vast, mile-wide depression resembling a crater, and St. Jacob's Well, a water-filled sinkhole located within the smaller Little Basin. These formations, resulting from sinkhole activity, have a rich history predating their preservation as a nature preserve.
Geological Significance
The Big Basin is described as being approximately a mile in diameter and historically noted to be around 100 feet deep. It lacks an outlet, leading to occasional shallow ponding on its floor. Adjacent to it is the Little Basin, and on the rim of the Little Basin lies St. Jacob's Well. Research has determined St. Jacob's Well to be 84 feet wide and 58 feet deep, and it is known for never going dry. The floor of the Little Basin itself exhibits shallow depressions that are believed to be the healed remnants of earlier sinkholes, suggesting a dynamic geological past.
Historical Context
Historically, the area served as a resting place for the Northern Cheyenne during their exodus in the fall of 1878. It was also utilized as a crucial landmark and watering site for northward cattle drives originating from Texas and heading to Kansas railroads. Willard D. Johnson of the United States Geological Survey documented the Big Basin in 1901, providing early scientific observations of its dimensions and characteristics.
Preservation and Public Access
Efforts to preserve the land that now constitutes the Big Basin Prairie Preserve began in earnest in the early 1970s. Mrs. C.G. "Janie" Stein was instrumental in these efforts, forming the Big Basin Foundation and working with various agencies and individuals to protect the area, particularly for its bison and pronghorn populations. The Nature Conservancy was involved in facilitating the land's acquisition, which occurred in 1974, with the condition that it be operated as a nature preserve. In recognition of its natural importance, the preserve was designated a National Natural Landmark in December 1978. The Big Basin Prairie Preserve is open to the public and is stocked with buffalo, making it a destination for observing both unique geology and wildlife.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Big Basin Prairie Preserve?
The Big Basin Prairie Preserve is a nature preserve in Clark County, Kansas, managed by the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks. Its main features are the Big Basin, a large crater-like depression, and St. Jacob's Well, a water-filled sinkhole.
What are the dimensions of the Big Basin?
The Big Basin is approximately one mile in diameter and was historically noted to be about 100 feet in depth.
What is St. Jacob's Well?
St. Jacob's Well is a distinct sinkhole located on the rim of the Little Basin, within the Big Basin Prairie Preserve. It is filled with water and has never been known to go dry.
How deep and wide is St. Jacob's Well?
Research indicates that St. Jacob's Well is 84 feet (26 meters) wide and 58 feet (18 meters) deep.
What is the geological significance of the Big Basin and St. Jacob's Well?
The Big Basin and St. Jacob's Well are significant examples of sinkhole formations. St. Jacob's Well, in particular, reveals the ground water plane, and the floor of the Little Basin shows depressions that appear to be healed scars of earlier sinkholes.
What is the history of the Big Basin Prairie Preserve?
The area was historically used by the Northern Cheyenne and as a landmark for cattle drives. Efforts to preserve the land began in the 1970s, leading to its acquisition and designation as a National Natural Landmark.
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