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Edward R. Madigan (1936-1994) was honored for his lifelong dedication to state and national public service when Railsplitter State Park was renamed in his memory in 1995.

The State of Illinois acquired the land for Madigan SFWA in 1970 from the Department of Mental Health, with development of the park starting the following year.

The forest canopy of Madigan SFWA includes oak, walnut, sycamore, ash, hackberry, hickory and sycamore; including the largest sycamore tree in Illinois. Native birds and wildlife abound.