Ballads of La Salle County, Illinois: The Story of Ottawa, Illinois

Keith Clark

This collection of modern ballads tells the story of Ottawa, Illinois from the Starved Rock massacre to the Cherry Mine tragedy. Written and performed by Keith Clark, these compositions are the product of extensive archival research and interviews. The liner notes include lyrics and chord changes for each song.

*Content Advisory: Smithsonian Folkways Recordings holds a large volume of sound recordings, some of which were recorded almost a century ago. This album reflects ideas that are discounted today, especially depictions of Indigenous people, but are a window into the discourse of its time. See more information on discussions of the American Frontier at the National Museum of American History, and an Indigenous perspective on the Frontier from the National Museum of the American Indian.

For our policy on controversial recordings, please see our Frequently Asked Questions page.

Track Listing

101	Father Marquette and the Jesuit Indian Instructions Keith Clark	03:16
102	The Ballad of Starved Rock Keith Clark	03:53
103	The Sloopers from Stavanger Keith Clark	02:49
104	Elsie Strawn Armstrong, Pioneer Keith Clark	03:35
105	The Lincoln and Douglas Debate Keith Clark	02:32
201	The Diary of Willy Price Keith Clark	03:50
202	The Magnetic Doctress Keith Clark	02:16
203	Wild Bill Hickok Keith Clark	03:16
204	The Rules of the Board of Trustees Keith Clark	02:29
205	The Cherry Mine Disaster Keith Clark	03:11