ENTRANCE TO JEFFERSON PROVING GROUNDS (Big Oaks)

Driving Directions

Jefferson County Proving Grounds now Big Oaks Wildlife Refuge

Samuel Woodfill was born in Belleview, Indiana in Jefferson County on January 06, 1883 to John and Christina Woodfill. His father, John S. G. Woodfill, was reportedly a veteran of the Mexican War and fought in the Civil War with the 5th Indiana Volunteers. It is reported that at an early age Sam was an excellent marksman, learning how to shoot from his father at the age of seven. He would further hone these skills through hunting in areas near his family’s Indiana farm. Only a few years after passing on these skills to his young son, his father passed away when Sam had only turned 13. Choosing to continue his father’s military legacy, Samuel Woodfill enlisted in the Army in 1901 in Bryantsburg, Indiana at the age of 18. Source: https://www.worldwar1centennial.org/index.php/indiana-in-wwi-stories/2441-samuel-woodfill.html

As you turn in to Big Oaks there is parking at the entrance and a memorial to Samuel Woodfill. This is as close as one can get to Samuel Woodfill's childhood home. He was born and grew up 4 miles NE of here on the west fork of Indiankentuck creek between Bryantsburg and Bellview. Both of these towns were virtually demolished to make way for the proving grounds. His home is no longer standing. He went to school 2 miles south at Mud Lick (now Bellview). The Jefferson Provinig Grounds was 50,000 acre Army site used during WWII, Korea, and Vietnam. It is now the Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge.

Directions: Upon leaving the hospital, turn L on Lanier. to Clifty Dr./IN 62 (stop light), turn Rt and continue to the roundabout at US 421, go N on US421 . Continue N to entrance of Jefferson Proving Grounds/ Big Oaks. Watch for sign on L. 8.5 miles. Picnic facilities are at Krueger Lake (County Park). Address 1661 W. Jefferson Proving Grounds Nibb Rd.

Jefferson Proving Ground (JPG) is located in southeastern Indiana and was established in 1940 by the U.S. War Department. It operated from 1941-1995. JPG's primary mission was to support research, tests, and operations of the U.S. Army. JPG tested production and post-production conventional ammunition components, other ordnance items, and propellant ammunition/weapons systems and components. In addition, it received, stored, and issued stocks of ammunition and calibrated ammunition components. Since 1977, the Indiana Air National Guard (INANG) used approximately 418 ha [1,033 ac] of the installation as an air-to-ground impact area for operational training requirements.