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Home , Creole House, Fort de Chartres, Illinois, Illinois Country, Kaskaskia, Kaskaskia River

’ First Road St. Clair County Monroe County Randolph County

Holy Family Church,

Trail Ride Re-enactment, WATERLOO

PRAIRIE DU ROCHER , Welcome to the King’s Road

Meramec Rivers converge with ing Louis XV of the and throughout , that is! French history provided reliable Kcolonists gave this name to the transportation for exploration, -Cahokia Trail (KCT) settlement and trade, with in the early 1700s. More than overland trails used to access 300 years later, the route is still interior lands beyond and traveled in Southwestern Illinois. between the rivers. In this , the Illinois, The KCT can be traced to , , Kaskaskia and Indian around

2 Welcome

11,000 BC whose migrations Today, the Kaskaskia-Cahokia created the trail for economic Trail is part of the St. Louis trade, government and social/ metropolitan . The 60-mile religious purposes. These first long auto tour route connects inhabitants over time built large visitors with many opportunities civilizations with mound cities to discover the region’s diverse along the trail. Their use of the heritage. Explore the history of trail continued into historic native cultures, periods, introducing the route roots, Revolutionary War to the first French explorers era settlement, early Illinois and colonists in the late 1600s. statehood, westward expansion, When the French established European permanent settlements and agricultural at Kaskaskia significance along and Cahokia the Trail. in 1699, they The alluvial named these bottomlands and villages after dramatic bluffs of the local Illini the scenic Middle people. These colonial Valley uniquely villages and shape the natural the overland landscape of the Kaskaskia Indian KCT, led to the Trail. Rolling establishment -hickory forests, of other forts and settlements and farmlands including over the next 100 years along the quaint, historic villages and east side of the Mississippi River rural back roads make this 60- Valley. This first road spawned mile journey one you will never many routes for expanded forget. growth that led to Illinois becoming the 21st state in 1818, with Kaskaskia serving as the first state capital.

For more information, please visit KCTrailIllinois.org 3 ’ 1778 Map of the Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail

THE UPLAND TRAIL AND THE BOTTOMLAND TRAIL During historic settlement of the Kaskaskia and Cahokia region, there were two main overland trails developed and used to connect the villages of Kaskaskia and Cahokia- a predominately upland trail and a bottomland trail on the Mississippi River floodplain. The bottomland trail traversed the floodplain from Kaskaskia to du Rocher and on to Columbia, Prairie du Pont (Dupo) and Cahokia. The trail was often impassable during high river levels and wet periods. Over time, due to its unreliability for passage, its importance diminished and it disappeared. Today the scenic Bluff Road on the American Bottoms is promoted for touring and represents the bottomland trail route. The upland trail from Prairie du Rocher to Cahokia was a more reliable route that did not flood and was easier to use and maintain, so over time it was a continuously developed roadway that is in use today and is considered the main route of the historic Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail.

4 Timeline

Beg. 11,000 BC Early Indian Settlement Mississippian Mound 1100 Builders Culture 1673 French Exploration Cahokia/Kaskaskia 1699 Villages Established 1720 Fort de Chartres First Established 1754-1763 French & Indian War American Revolutionary War 1778 in the Purchase 1803 Lewis & Clark Expedition 1809 Established

th Beg. 1810 19 Century Transportation 1812 War of 1812 Illinois Statehood 1818 Kaskaskia First State Capital Beg. 1830 19th Century Immigration 1854 First Indian Removal from Illinois Modern Road Improvements Beg. 1900 Motorized Vehicles 2000 Preservation Begins State Historic & Scenic Route 2014 Designation of the KCT 5 Looking Back at Illinois’ First Road First at Illinois’ Back Looking area 1

Discover the Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail The 60-mile long trail has been divided into four areas, north to south, to easily navigate and explore the points of interest in this booklet and during your journey along the Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail! 6 Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail Attractions St. Clair County CAHOKIA S3. Jarrot Mansion SHS S1. Cahokia Courthouse SHS This historic brick home was constructed in 1807, making it one of the oldest surviving masonry buildings in Illinois. This State Historic Site is notable for its use of American Federal architectural design. A stone spring house that dates before 1810 can be found on Cahokia Courthouse the grounds. In 1974, the Jarrot Mansion was added to the National Originally built as a French Register of Historic Places and dwelling around 1740, the home designated a National Historic became a courthouse in 1793 and Landmark in 2001. 116 Church St., served as a center of political activity 618-332-1782, jarrotmansion.org in the Old . From December 1803 until the spring of 1804, Lewis and Clark used the courthouse to coordinate final preparations for their expedition that embarked from Wood River in May of 1804. 107 Elm St., 618-332-1782 Jarrot Mansion S2. Holy Family Church & Parish Museum Holy Family Church is the oldest S4. Tricentennial Heritage Park church west of the Alleghany The park was created in 1999 by Mountains and the oldest the of Cahokia for their continuous Catholic parish in the Tricentennial celebration. It is . It was founded by dedicated to Judge Jerome Lopinot. Canadian in 1699 and There are four brass plaques the log church, built in 1799 is a written by Lopinot describing the National Historic Landmark. 116 significance of the area. It was the Church St., holyfamily1699.org sight of a meeting between and a large number of

For more information, please visit KCTrailIllinois.org 7 local tribes in August of 1778. Clark DUPO convinced them to remain neutral during the . This S6. Pulcher Mississippian park is located at the intersection of Mounds Site IL Routes 3 and 157 in Cahokia, IL. EAST CARONDELET S5. Martin-Boismenue House SHS This home is typical of many of the French Creole poteaux-sur-solle (post on sill) type dwellings that pre- Pulcher Mississippian Mounds dominated the area in the late 18th century and is one of the oldest structures of its kind in Illinois. Built Pulcher Mississipian Mounds by Canadian born Revolutionary War (1100 to 1400 AD) is an intact veteran Pierre Martin, its squared-log archaeological site with eight earthen outer walls rest upright on a log sill mounds, that once had plazas, mounted on a stone foundation. buildings, gardens, and a craft From the Cahokia Courthouse, follow workshop. This ancient village was IL-3 south four blocks then veer right associated with the Cahokia Mounds onto Water St. Continue across the Urban Center. Use Old State Route 3 creek into East Carondelet. The house going north out of Columbia, IL. Turn will be on the left. 618-332-1782, left onto Davis Ferry Rd. and follow the dnr.illinois.gov road over viaduct and railroad tracks. Turn left onto Hill Rd. Pulcher Site is located along Oklahoma Hill and Fish Lake Rd. in a private farm field. The large mounds can be viewed from the road. Monroe County COLUMBIA M1. Sandbank School Less than 50 feet off of an original Martin–Boismenue House section of the KCT, this log cabin subscription school was located on the northeast quarter of the 400 acre

8 Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail Attractions

DUPO land claim belonging to James M3. Historic Main Street District Piggot’s wife. A frame school S6. Pulcher Mississippian As the population of settlers grew replaced the log school in 1902. The near Piggot’s Fort, a containing Mounds Site restored schoolhouse still stands stores, blacksmith and today. 11832 Bluff Rd., harness shops, mills, and hardware 618-593-7663 stores was soon established. Platted as the town of Columbia, the original Kaskaskia to Cahokia Road was re-routed to the east becoming the Main Street of the new town. Historic Main Street Columbia was designated Illinois’ 46th Main Street Community in 2015 and boasts national and local Pulcher Mississipian Mounds Sandbank Schoolhouse historic landmarks, a thriving (1100 to 1400 AD) is an intact residential and business community, archaeological site with eight earthen M2. Piggot’s Fort Marker and exciting local events held mounds, that once had plazas, throughout the year. A marker commemorates and buildings, gardens, and a craft interprets the life of Revolutionary mymainstreetcolumbia.com workshop. This ancient village was War Captain, James Piggot. Around associated with the Cahokia Mounds 1783, Captain Piggot arrived in the Urban Center. Use Old State Route 3 American Bottoms with 17 other going north out of Columbia, IL. Turn left onto Davis Ferry Rd. and follow the families after a long and arduous road over Interstate 255 viaduct and battle with the and railroad tracks. Turn left onto Oklahoma Choctaw tribes at Fort Jefferson Hill Rd. Pulcher Site is located along near Paducah, KY. The families Oklahoma Hill and Fish Lake Rd. established a fort on Carr Creek just Miller-Fiege Home in a private farm field. The large under the bluffs along the road from mounds can be viewed from the road. Kaskaskia. This was said to have Miller-Fiege Home been the largest fortification erected Built in 1850, this historic home is a by early in Illinois. Monroe County unique example of a brick two-story 11562 Bluff Rd. COLUMBIA German vernacular cottage on a limestone foundation, a style popular M1. Sandbank School in the 1830s to late 1800s and easily Less than 50 feet off of an original the most prevalent style found in section of the KCT, this log cabin Columbia’s historic neighborhoods. subscription school was located on The home is being restored and the northeast quarter of the 400 acre Foundation constructed with limestone fromPiggot’s Fort features furniture and memorabilia

For more information, please visit KCTrailIllinois.org 9 from the Miller and Fiege families widening of IL Route 3 and was who owned it for nearly 150 years. recently re-branded as POP-UP 140 S Main St. SHOP, Columbia, IL. The shop offers Historic Main Street Columbia a short term rental space where entrepreneurs, retailers and makers Self-guided Walking Tour sell their wares. 6 Gall Rd. Copies of the tour are available at the Columbia Public Library, 106 One-Room Schoolhouses of N. Metter Avenue or at Columbia Monroe County Exhibit City Hall, 208 S. Rapp St. Visitors are Located at the Shoemaker guided through a historical journey of Schoolhouse Plaza, this exhibit Columbia’s Historic Main Street and identifies the more than 60 one-room buildings. Once the primary mail and schoolhouses that once dotted the stagecoach route through Columbia, County. 6 Gall Rd. Main Street attracted businessmen Gall Road Stone Bridge who built inns, taverns and shops Several European-style stone that served travelers and a growing arch bridges are found in number of settlers. Monroe County. This basic design M4. Shoemaker Schoolhouse Plaza was first used by the Roman Empire for bridges and aqueducts and is still a popular design because it can withstand extreme conditions. German immigrants who came to Columbia in the mid-1800s borrowed this design and used the abundance of local limestone to construct this bridge over Carr Creek. 6 Gall Rd. Shoemaker Schoolhouse Whiteside Station Memorial The one-room schoolhouse Whiteside Station was originally commemorative plaza incorporates built in 1783 between Columbia and several pieces of Kaskaskia-Cahokia Waterloo as a stockade. It was rebuilt Trail history. The Shoemaker School, by Captain William Whiteside (1747- a one-room schoolhouse originally 1815) with his family and friends to built as a log cabin school in 1851, offer protection to early settlers from was replaced in 1867 with a new American Indians along the KCT. The brick schoolhouse. The schoolhouse memorial honors Captain Whiteside was moved to this site after the and his role as a patriot during the threat of being demolished with the Revolutionary War. 6 Gall Rd. 10 Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail Attractions

M5. Eagle Cliff/Miles Cemetery Revolutionary War, War of 1812, Many founding American pioneers Mexican-American War, Civil War and soldiers of and 20th century Monroe wars, along with County are those of prominent buried here local families are next to a found here. The Miles rare bluff top Family mausoleum is prairie, and a prominent historic over-looking Miles Cemetery structure at the the Mississippi cemetery. 7801 D Rd. River floodplain below. Graves Located approximately 5 miles south for soldiers from the American of Columbia off of Bluff Rd. (near H Rd. and D Rd. intersection).

For more information, please visit KCTrailIllinois.org 11 area 2

Discover the Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail The 60-mile long trail has been divided into four areas, north to south, to easily navigate and explore the points of interest in this booklet and during your journey along the Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail! 12 Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail Attractions MonroeCounty WATERLOO Monroe County Courthouse M6. Waterloo Historic District The Waterloo Historic District includes the majority of central Waterloo, Illinois. The district includes 271 buildings, of which 182 are contributing buildings to its historic character and 83 have Monroe County Courthouse been evaluated as possessing special architectural and/or historical In 1832, the first official significance. The center of the Courthouse was completed in the district includes Waterloo’s town center of Waterloo where there now square, the site of the Monroe stands a community bandstand. The County Courthouse, as well as a construction quality was lacking, two-block section of Main Street and the building had to be replaced. which forms the city’s commercial In 1853, a new Courthouse was core. The predominant architectural completed – a solid brick 2-story styles in the residential parts of the building. That building is now the district are local adaptations of the center portion on the west side of Federal style and a German cottage the current Courthouse. Since then, style developed by the city’s German it has been added on two times – immigrants in the 19th century. The the north and south wings in 1908 district was placed on the National and the newest east wing in 1995. Register of Historic Places on 100 South Main St., 618-939-8681, December 1, 1978. monroecountyil.gov Historic Downtown Building Self-guided Walking Tour Take a self-guided walking tour of the historical buildings that make up Waterloo’s vibrant downtown. Along the way you will discover stunning architecture, beautiful murals, unique boutiques, plenty of

Downtown Waterloo Historic Walking Tour opportunities for fantastic food and drink, and lots of friendly faces! For more information, please visit KCTrailIllinois.org 13 M7. Peterstown House M8. Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail The Peterstown House is a saltbox Historic Marker/Ford building constructed in the mid- Monument 1830s. Emory Peter Rogers, for Near this whom the house and surrounding marker stood neighborhood were named, was the boyhood the first owner of the building. home of Thomas The building served as an inn Ford, the eighth and stagecoach stop along the governor of Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail. The Illinois. He held Original Marker Peterstown House is the only many public intact inn which still stands along offices before serving as Governor the trail. In the late nineteenth in 1842. This monument is also century, the Peterstown House one of the original markers of the became a local social hall. In 1973, Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail, placed it was scheduled for demolition by the Monroe County Historical but was spared when concerned Society in 1975. 223 North Main St. citizens formed the Peterstown Heritage Society and saved the Ditch’s Tavern/Roger’s Seminary building. It is now an interpretive Ditch Tavern was the first hotel museum. There are three historic in Waterloo. It was a beautiful cabins on the property as well. two story log cabin operated by 275 North Main St., 618-939-4222, David and Hannah Ditch. David peterstownheritagesociety.weebly.com owned the land on which Waterloo was built until it was purchased by George Forquer in 1818. The county seat was moved to Waterloo from Harrisonville in 1816 because of continual flooding. There were no county buildings, so meetings were held at Ditch’s Tavern until the Courthouse was built. Also in this same block of Waterloo was Roger’s Female Seminary, which was one of the Peterstown House early educational institutions of Monroe County, opening in 1872. 223 North Main St.

14 Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail Attractions

M8. Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail M9. Waterloo Historic Complex Rogers Clark. During this period of Historic Marker/Ford History Museum of Monroe County time, the Monroe County Illinois area Monument The History Museum of Monroe was a County of the Commonwealth Near this County in Waterloo offers visitors of . marker stood a unique opportunity to experience In 1778, James Moore was ordered, the boyhood history through a variety of by George Rogers Clark, to home of Thomas permanent exhibits and changing expeditions to the Illinois Country, Ford, the eighth displays in the Kueker, Wm. Zimmer establish a military post and to serve governor of and Allscheid-Metzger galleries. as Captain of that company. Illinois. He held A broad span of eras and interests By the spring of 1782, James Moore many public is anchored by the gifted “Edd & and his family, offices before serving as Governor Violet Kueker Collection”. Loaned along with in 1842. This monument is also and donated artifacts represent a band of one of the original markers of the transportation, agriculture, several pioneers, Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail, placed wars, local commerce (including Revolutionary by the Monroe County Historical a General Store from the 1860s), War Soldiers Society in 1975. 223 North Main St. the settlement of the west, a local and their archaeological exhibit dating back Bellefontaine House families, had Ditch’s Tavern/Roger’s Seminary to the Stone Age and much more. arrived at Ditch Tavern was the first hotel Interesting programs are presented in this site. The French had called the in Waterloo. It was a beautiful the “theatre” area. 724 Elaine Dr., site, “La Bellefontaine,” meaning the two story log cabin operated by 618-939-5008, monroecounty beautiful spring. David and Hannah Ditch. David historymuseum.org The 1800 federal census showed that owned the land on which Waterloo Bellefontaine, with 286 inhabitants, was built until it was purchased had become the third largest by George Forquer in 1818. The community in the Illinois territory. county seat was moved to Waterloo 709 South Church St., 618-939-5230, from Harrisonville in 1816 because monroecountyhistoricalsociety.weebly.com of continual flooding. There were no county buildings, so meetings James Moore Cabin were held at Ditch’s Tavern until the Due to the lack of funds after the Monroe County History Museum Courthouse was built. Revolutionary War, , Also in this same block of the Governor of Virginia at the time, Waterloo was Roger’s Female Bellefontaine House and Spring issued land grants to the soldiers who Seminary, which was one of the Bellefontaine was one of the first had served. This is when James early educational institutions of American settlements in what is now Moore, Captain under George Rogers Monroe County, opening in 1872. Illinois. The earliest settlers included Clark, decided that this site was where 223 North Main St. families of Revolutionary War his family was to settle. In this cabin, veterans who had served with George James Moore’s sixth child (of eight For more information, please visit KCTrailIllinois.org 15 total) Enoch Moore was born in connects the only intact portion of 1783. Enoch was a delegate to the the original Kaskaskia Cahokia Trail. convention that framed the first South of the Bellefontaine House Illinois constitution. Five generations of Moores called this homestead their VALMEYER home. 709 South Church St. M10. Salt Lick Point Reserve & Trails Salt Lick Point Land and Water Reserve is a 600+ acre site owned by the Village of Valmeyer. The reserve protects bluff land forests and a rare, unique hill prairie and glade habitat. The hilly Salt Lick and Newman trails traverse the bluffs offering Presentation at James Moore Cabin scenic views of the floodplain below. The easily hiked Johnson Moore Cemetery trail at the base of the bluffs features Moore Cemetery is where many showy wildflowers.The trails offer a of the Moore family are buried. combined 3 miles of hiking and are A plaque honoring the service of open year-round. 1309 Limestone Ln., Revolutionary War soldier James 618-935-2131, [email protected] McRoberts is also located in this M11. White Rock Nature Preserve cemetery, along with gravesites of several other Revolutionary War heroes. Just north of the cemetery is a “potter’s field” where many men, women and children were buried in unmarked graves dating back to 1897. South of the Bellefontaine House Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail Remnant with Stone Arch Bridge This stone arch bridge dates back Hiking the White Rock Nature Preserve Trail to 1877 when it was built by Charles Liebheit and Christian Hartmann. It The 306-acre White Rock extends over a tributary of Fountain Nature Preserve is open to the Creek, called Moore’s Run (named public for hiking and nature after James Moore, one of the study. Approximately 2 miles of founders of Waterloo). The bridge moderately strenous hiking trails 16 Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail Attractions

traverse the heavily forested bluff M13. Flood of 1993 Site lands culminating with bluff top Now called “Old Valmeyer” this prairies with views over-looking site is where the village of 900 lost the Mississippi River American its battle with the Mississippi River Bottoms floodplain. Many rare during the summer of 1993 after plant and animal species exist in a levee break. About 95 percent this scenic natural area. Located of the properties (roughly 325 approximately 1.5 miles south of homes and 25 businesses) were Old Valmeyer on Bluff Road near substantially damaged. Valmeyer the intersection with Harris Road. residents abandoned the floodplain clifftopalliance.org and built a new community atop the M12. Valmeyer Community towering, thickly wooded bluffs that bordered the eastern edge of the old Heritage Society Museum village. Now, only about 25 houses that survived or were rebuilt remain in Old Valmeyer. The rest of the buildings have been torn down and much of the land is farmed. BURKSVILLE/NEW DESIGN M14. James Seely Historic Marker Valmeyer Community Heritage Society Museum Erected in 1970, this sign marks the site of the first English speaking Also known as the Monroe City public school in the Illinois country. School, this one-room schoolhouse, It was located in New Design, on built in 1918 has been transformed a tract of land known as the James into a museum open to the public. Lemen . A school was located The schoolhouse was last used in an abandoned squatter’s cabin. Mr. in the mid-1950s, when all the Samuel John Seely taught children in one-room schoolhouses were 1783. KK Rd., 1 mile east of Burksville consolidated into community school districts. The structure was uprooted from its home near KK Road and relocated to “new” Valmeyer. The entire village was relocated to the adjacent uplands after it was devastated by the . 321 South Cedar Bluff Dr., 618-935-2142 Area 2 continues on page 19 For more information, please visit KCTrailIllinois.org 17 Discover the Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail

M15. Lemen Monument From the Peoria Tribe James Lemen, a revolutionary war of Oklahoma soldier and anti- leader, came to the Illinois Country of the elcome to the land of our people and our elders Northwest Wwho came before us. The Confederated Peorias Territory and is originated in the lands bordering the and credited with drained by the mighty Mississippi. These people are giving the the Illinois or Illini Indians, descendants of those who settlement the created the great mound civilizations in the central name of New United States two to three thousand years ago. Design because he The Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail was important to us as decided to build a you will learn. settlement here in 1786, one with a To discover more, please visit our official “new design.” His Peoria Tribe website: PeoriaTribe.com home was in the center of this community, which was the largest settlement made by Americans . The monument was erected in 1909 in his honor in the family cemetery. On private property M16. Baebler Farm Baebler Educational Farm is a University of Illinois Extension & Monroe County 4-H Education Foundation owned property. The site provides opportunities for youth to learn about agriculutre and natural resources. There is a walking trail and many gardens to explore. Ma Legen 4022 JJ Rd., Waterloo, IL, p d [email protected] Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail KCT Attraction Lower Trail Scenic Route Routes to Kaskaskia Island

Don’t lose your way, follow the Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail road signs. Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail

M15. Lemen Monument M17. Burksville / James Lemen, a revolutionary war Illinois Caverns soldier and anti-slavery leader, came Illinois Caverns State Natural Area to the Illinois Country of the is a 120-acre preserve owned by Northwest the Illinois Department of Natural Territory and is Resources. The main attraction of the credited with site is an unimproved wild cave with giving the nearly three miles of walking-height settlement the passage. Located in karst-rich Monroe name of New County, the area contains woodlands, Design because he restored prairie and a half-mile long decided to build a prairie trail. 4369 G Rd., Waterloo, IL, settlement here in 618-458-6699. No access to cave available. 1786, one with a Lemen Monument “new design.” His ST. JOE/TIPTON home was in the center of this M18. St. Joe community, which was the largest Once home to several businesses, settlement made by Americans in the town now only has Zion United these times. The monument was Church of Christ, which was erected in 1909 in his honor in the originally built in the 1860s, and is family cemetery. now a satellite of St. John Church in On private property Maeystown. Located on M16. Baebler Farm Kaskaskia Road south of Baebler Burksville Educational Farm M19. Tipton is a University of Tipton was settled in Illinois Extension the 1830s by immigrants & Monroe County from Tipperary, 4-H Education Ireland. The original Foundation owned Nature Adventures at Baebler Farm name of the town was property. The site Tipperary, later changed provides opportunities for youth to to Tiptown and shortened to Tipton. learn about agriculutre and natural St. Patrick’s Parish was originally resources. There is a walking trail and constructed in 1853, and a larger many gardens to explore. church was built in 1860. The parish 4022 JJ Rd., Waterloo, IL, is still active today. Located southeast of [email protected] Burksville on LL Rd., approximately 3 miles east of Kaskaskia Rd. 20 Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail Attractions

MAEYSTOWN in 2018, this one lane bridge is still in use today. M20. Historic District Maeystown was founded in 1852 Maeystown Mill Museum by Jacob Maeys and settled by German immigrants. The village is unique in manner with structures integrated into the landscape. Sixty significant buildings still exist, including Maeys’ log house, the original church, the stone arch bridge entry into town, Zeitinger’s Mill and various outbuildings, Maeystown Mill Museum barns, and smokehouses made of limestone, brick and wood. Maeystown, in its entirety, was In 1859 Jacob Pilliard and John listed on the National Register of Coleman built a steam-powered Historic Places in 1978 – one of flour mill along the middle creek only a few villages in the State of in Maeystown. It passed into the Illinois to be so honored. Today the possession of Anton Zeitinger in 1868, village has a restaurant, museum, and shortly after it burned. In 1880, general store, bed and breakfast, a group bought the land and rebuilt and shops. 618-580-5875, the mill, but it was never used for that maeystown.com purpose. Over the years, the building has been a funeral parlor, furniture Maeystown Creek Stone business, dance hall, auto garage, Arch Bridge gas station, and furniture restoration The arched stone bridge, built in shop. The Maeystown Preservation 1881, marks the entrance to historic Society bought the mill in 1980, made Maeystown. Most recently restored restorations, and reopened it as a visitor center and museum. 1113 Main St., 618-458-6464

Annual Duck Races in Maeystown

21 For more information, please visit KCTrailIllinois.org area 3

Discover the Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail The 60-mile long trail has been divided into four areas, north to south, to easily navigate and explore the points of interest in this booklet and during your journey along the Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail! 22 Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail Attractions Monroe County FULTS/RENAULT Renault, in honor of Philip Francois Renault who came to the area from M21. Fults France in search of mineral resources The Village of Fults originated in in the Mississippi River bluffs. 1901 as a stop on the St. Louis Iron Mountain and M23. Paul Wightman line that was built Subterranean through that area. Nature Preserve Brownsburg was This 535-acre nature the original name preserve, overlying of the Village, after the Foglepole Cave John Brown, a system, the largest resident of nearby cave in Illinois, Brown’s Hollow. The Foglepole Cave was purchased in name was changed 2013 to protect the to Fults, in honor of Jacob Fults, cave’s subterranean water who lived near the town. Fults had quality, endangered bats and cave many businesses that supported the aquatic species. The surface is a surrounding farming community. karst sinkhole landscape that was Fults was also home to Cedar Bluff historically farmed. A mosaic of School, an elementary school of the native prairie grasses and wildflowers Valmeyer School system. Following are now planted, and the woods the 1993 Flood, many of the homes and sinkholes are being managed to were demolished. St. John United improve native Church of Christ received major vegetation and damage as well, but a local resident reduce erosion purchased and renovated the and contaminated building. surface waters M22. Renault percolating into Renault, originally named Glasgow the cave . City, after founder James Glasgow The preserve is is located on the upland Kaskaskia- named in honor Wildflowers at Paul Wightman Nature Preserve Cahokia Trail. It was founded in of Father Paul 1860 and incorporated as a Village Wightman who in 1896. The Village was later named did extensive research and surveying of the cave system in the mid-20th

23 For more information, please visit KCTrailIllinois.org Century. The site is open to the public once expansive wetlands of the with access facilities, interpretive Mississippi floodplain known as the displays/brochures, and 4 miles of American Bottoms. easy hiking trails. 3325 G Rd., Fults, Historically, the marsh was part of an IL, clifftopalliance.org. Cave access is 800-acre lake bed. It is an important prohibited for environmental and safety rest stop for migrating waterfowl and reasons. continues to provide critical habitat to M24. Fults Hill Prairie Nature a diverse range of birds, amphibians and reptiles. Kidd Lake was named Preserve for Kidd, one of Monroe The 532-acre Fults Hill Prairie County’s early settlers, who came Nature to the area in 1782. Bluff Road, four Preserve is miles north of Prairie du Rocher. owned and dnr.illinois.gov managed by the Illinois M26. Native American Village Department Signage interpreting the village of Natural of the Metchigamia, a tribe of the Illiniwek confederation. The Resources. Fults Hill Prairie Nature Preserve Most of this Metchigamia people lived in close unique area was purchased by IDNR relations with the neighboring French between 1970 and 1976. This area Settlements. Intersection of Kaskaskia contains a wide variety of plants and Rd. and Stringtown Rd. animals, some and others M27. St. Philippe and Renault found nowhere else in the State. It Land Grant Roadside includes woodland, prairie and glade Pull-Off communities, and has the largest On June 14, 1723, Philip Francois complex of high quality loess hill Renault received several concessions prairies in Illinois. In 1986 it was of land in order to support the recognized by the U. S. Department establishment of mines in the bluffs. of the Interior as a National Natural The plan was to develop mineral Landmark. Bluff Rd. just southeast of resources and exploit the wealth of Kidd Lake Rd. dnr.illinois.gov the Mississippi Valley. Boisbriant, M25. Kidd Lake Marsh the Commandant at Fort Chartres, State Natural Area and Des Ursins, the Principal of the The 465-acre Kidd Lake State Royal Company, signed this Natural Area is owned and managed conveyance. Of these concessions by the Illinois Department of Natural of land, the one that fronts the Resources. It is an example of the Mississippi at the Great Marsh has 24 Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail Attractions

since been known as the Renault son of the Regent of France. It was Grant in the south corner of originally built as a of logs Monroe County. Renault himself with two bastions at opposite corners. had headquarters at the fort. The Prone to river flooding, the fort was Village of St. Philippe was founded rebuilt several times, further from the within the lands of this grant, just river, and the last time built of north of Fort de Chartres by Philip limestone in 1756. The fort’s stone Renault. Farmers and tradesmen powder magazine is considered the were encouraged to settle here to oldest building in the State of Illinois. support mining operations initiated Following the conclusion of the French in 1717 by the Company of the West and Indian War in 1763, the French and the Company of St. Philippe. transferred control of the area to the The fertile tract of bottom land in British, who abandoned the fort in the Renault Grant was intended to 1772 and established Fort Gage in furnish supplies for the mines. It Kaskaskia Village until 1778. By 1900, was soon discovered that the bluffs the structure was in ruin, and the did not contain the rich minerals exterior walls were gone. Several that the French had expected. The buildings and the fort’s gateway were Village quickly declined, and by 1765, reconstructed on original foundations. most of the residents of St. Philippe 1350 IL-155, fortdechartres.us had moved away. Stringtown Rd. near R2. Ste. Anne Church Randolph County line Signage interpreting the site of a chapel to Ste. Anne built in 1721 Randolph County outside the first Fort de Chartres near the river. South edge of the fort. PRAIRIE DU ROCHER R3. Pierre Laclede Home R1. Fort de Chartres Floodwater in 1993 damaged a Fort de Chartres was a French bridge adjacent to fortification Fort de Chartres originally built historic site. In 1998, in 1720 on the State transportation eastern bank of workers doing repairs the Mississippi came across the River. The Fort foundation of an old was named in home. Archaeologists honor of Louis, excavated the site and Fort de Chartres duc de Chartres, analyzed the findings

25 For more information, please visit KCTrailIllinois.org Cannon Re-enactment at the Annual Rendezous at Fort de Chartres

including pottery and other items. and other lower Louisiana Territory The description of the property built communities. visitprairiedurocher.com with methods used by the French, Village Hall along with the pottery, deed records, The Village Hall building was architectural evidence and the constructed to recreate the historic historical records all point to Laclede’s “post on sil” architectural style so ownership of this property. prevalent during the French colonial R4. Historic Prairie du Rocher era. 207 Henry St., 618-284-7171 Prairie du Rocher translates to “prairie by the rock.” The fourth The original portion of the Creole European settlement in Illinois, this House was built around 1800 by Dr. Village was founded in 1722, shortly Robert McDonald. This one-room after the establishment of Fort de dwelling held a living room, kitchen, Chartres, on a tract granted by the Royal Indian Company to Pierre Dugue Boisbriant, the commander and builder of the fort. Situated in the fertile farmland known as the American Bottoms, and at the base of the Mississippi River Bluffs, Prairie du Rocher provided grain and other foodstuffs to Creole House 26 Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail Attractions

dining area and sleeping quarters. A log chapel was replaced by a larger second room was added as either an log church in 1734. The records and office or additional bedroom. This sacred vessels of Ste. Anne are now portion of the house was constructed held for safekeeping at St. Joseph in a manner that is called “half- Church. The present church building timber,” which was common in dates to 1850. It is the only true French Europe throughout the Middle Ages. parish in the Diocese of Belleville, In 1855, owner Franklin Brickey founded under the patronage of added four additional rooms, a long the king. The Romanesque style of front porch and a basement. The architecture and the flat ceiling were house is on the National Register of inspired by the famous basilicas of Historic Places and is owned by the Rome. 802 Middle St., stjoespdr.org Randolph County Historical Society. Located on the east side of Market St. in Prairie du Rocher, 618-284-7396, Rchistorical.weebly.com St. Joseph Church This parish was established in 1722 as a chapel dependent upon the royally endowed church of Ste. Anne French Marine Ceremony at Fort de Chartres at Fort de Chartres. The original

27 For more information, please visit KCTrailIllinois.org area 4

Discover the Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail The 60-mile long trail has been divided into four areas, north to south, to easily navigate and explore the points of interest in this booklet and during your journey along the Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail! 28 Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail Attractions Randolph County MODOC take you to the bridge to Kaskaskia Island in St. Mary, Mo. and the “new” R5. NHS Kaskaskia Village. This is the southern This rock bluff on the edge of the end of the KCT and its origin. Mississippi River floodplain was The ferry operates during daylight undercut at its base by floods. hours, year-round except when river First inhabitants used this natural rock conditions are unsafe. 8205 Little shelter as far back as 9,000 years ago. Rock Rd., Ste. Genevieve, 573-883-7097, Archeologists excavated and studied stegenmodocferry.com the site in the 1950s and 60s revealing three prehistoric periods of habitation Ste. Genevieve, Missouri and historic uses by Native Americans Originally and European settlers traveling on the established KCT. On site exhibits interpret the in 1735 as a history of the site. Bluff Rd., two miles French colonial southeast of Prairie du Rocher settlement, this is Missouri’s oldest town today. The community’s French Colonial Cyclists on Modoc Ferry National Landmark Historic District features many original, historic and internationally recognized French colonial architecture homes open for Modoc Rock Shelter tours. Quaint and historic downtown shops, bed and breakfasts, restaurants, R6. Ste. Genevieve-Modoc Ferry and area wineries and breweries make In the small community of Modoc, Ste. Genevieve a great place to visit the road going west (follow the with many attractions. In 2018, the signs) takes you to the Modoc River designated Ste. Ferry on the Mississippi River. This Genevieve as a National Historic Park, commercial fee ferry takes you to the which is currently under development. northern edge of the French colonial Ste. Genevieve Tourism, 66 South Main St. village of Ste. Genevieve, Mo. and Phone: 1-800-373-7007/ 1-573-883-7097, on to HWY 61 South which will VisitSteGen.com

29 For more information, please visit KCTrailIllinois.org R7. US Army Corps of Engineers their Native American allies leading Recreation up to, and during the French and Area and the Jerry F. Costello Indian War. The fort was destroyed Lock and Dam by the French after they The Jerry F. lost the war in 1763 to Costello Lock and avoid seizure by the Dam provides British. for commercial A large group shelter navigation on the overlooks the lower 36 miles of the of the Kaskaskia Jerry F. Costello Lock and Dam Kaskaskia River, the old River with a reliable Kaskaskia Village area, and connection to the Mississippi the section of Illinois now known as River for waterborne shipping Kaskaskia Island that is isolated on of bulk commodities. Visitors the Missouri side of the river due to are welcome to the lock to view the historic river course change that barges and tows passing through. began in April 1881. Fort Kaskaskia The Corps Recreation Area offers SHS offers camping, picnic areas, and visitor information, boat ramps, intrepretive signage. campground, picnic facilities, and the one-mile Confluence Heritage Trail Cyclists on Modoc Ferry where the Kaskaskia and Mississippi Rivers converge. 4800 Lock and Dam Rd., 618-284-7160 ELLIS GROVE Garrison Hill Cemetery R8. Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site/Garrison Hill Cemetery Garrison Hill Cemetery, located First built in 1751 and further adjacent to Fort Kaskaskia, was improved in 1759, Fort Kaskaskia established during the 1880s’ and was built on Garrison Hill bluff 90’s primarily by graves that were overlooking the original French relocated from Kaskaskia Village. Colonial Kaskaskia Village and the They, along with the two rivers entire village, were being to provide destroyed by the encroaching defense Mississippi River that was from the cutting a new, flood induced, hostile main river channel thru the British and Overlooking the Mississippi River area. Approximately 3,000 30 Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail Attractions

grave sites remain from the Kaskaskia R10. Chester Welcome Center village floodplain. The graves of many The Chester Welcome Center is of Illinois’ earliest pioneers are located located at the entrance to the Chester here, including , the first Bridge and includes several exhibits Lt. , and his family. and regional visitor information. 4372 Park Rd. and 4230 Kaskaskia Rd., 10 By-Pass Road (Rt. 150), 618-826-2721, 618-859-3741 chesterill.com R9. Pierre Menard Home SHS R11. Governor State Memorial in Evergreen Cemetery In Chester’s Evergreen Cemetery, you can visit the Governor Shadrach Bond State Memorial. Bond served as Illinois’ first governor. 501 W. Holmes St., 618-859-3741 Pierre Menard Home R12. Randolph County Courthouse & Museum and Archives The historic Pierre Menard home Building is located nearby at the base of Chester is the Randolph County Garrison Hill. Menard, Illinois’ first seat of government. The Randolph Lt. Governor, built the home around County Courthouse complex includes the 1800s before llinois became a state, the Randolph County Museum and Kaskaskia served as the first state and Archives, of Flags capital. The home was placed on the noting the various governments that Register of Historic Places in 1970. controlled Illinois through history, The Menard Home is one of the finest and National Society Daughters of the examples of French architecture in the Midwest and opens in May for warm- month visits. 4230 Kaskaskia Rd., dnr.illinois.gov CHESTER Chester is a historic Mississippi Riverfront town established in 1819 with many interesting attractions in and around the City. Randolph County Museum and Archives

31 For more information, please visit KCTrailIllinois.org American Revolution Monument that as the river channel course change memorializes “Where Illinois Began”, widened and eroded the banks of with pictures of the “Liberty Bell of the Mississippi River on both sides. the West”. This location is on a bluff Eventually the original town site was overlooking the scenic Mississippi used as farmland with about 20 acres River and Missouri and Illinois of the 325 acres incoporated town site bottomlands. The fifth floor of the becoming part of the river. Today the courthouse is a scenic outlook with a island is ringed by a Federal levee. ring of windows. Record floods of 1973 and 1993 1 Taylor St., 618-826-5000, randolphco.org breached the levee and they were R13. Popeye Statue and Character repaired. To access Kaskaskia Island, cross the Chester River Bridge into Mo. on Trail (Elzie C. Segar Park) Rt 51, go right on Hwy H to Hwy 61 and Chester is home to the late Elzie St. Mary, Mo., then take the bridge to the Segar, creator of Popeye the Sailor island. Man and his many associated comic characters. Chester celebrates R14. Kaskaskia Bell State Segar and his world famous comic Memorial characters with annual festivals, a Popeye Character Trail located throughout town, a Segar Park and gift shops selling Popeye memorabilia. 618-826-2721, chesterill.com

Kaskaskia Bell

This bell was forged in France and given to the colonists of the original village of Kaskaskia in 1741 by King Louis XV. The Bell has been known Popeye Character Trail as the “Liberty Bell of the West” since the American Revolutionary War. On July 4, 1778, the bell was rung by KASKASKIA ISLAND Father in celebration On the center of the island you of Colonel George Rogers Clark’s can visit the very small and rural capture of Kaskaskia as part of his relocated Village of Kaskaskia. This successful western front campaign community was established over time to defeat the British and claim the from the late 1890’s until the 1930’s western territories for America. 203 1st St., 618-859-3741 32 R15. Immaculate Conception R16. La Grande Rue La Grande Rue (the great road) Located next to the Bell Shrine is the main road that traverses the is the fifth building of the historic island north-south and was a part of Immaculate Conception Catholic the original KCT, or the Kings Road Church. This existing church as it was called in the 1700s. This building was road was the connection constructed in 1838 between the new Kaskaskia in the original village. Village and the old 1703 In 1894, after the village, Prairie du Rocher, river course change and Fort de Chartres, but began, the structure now disappears into the was moved to its floodplain forest and river Bald Eagles current location, at the northeastern end of brick by numbered the island with little trace brick. This historic church of the old village. Main north-south was started in 1675 under the road on Kaskaskia Island. Archdiocese of and became a sanctioned parish in 1718 that has remained continuously active. 207 1st St., 618-615-5747

33For more information, please visit KCTrailIllinois.org

he Great River Road National Scenic Byway follows the course Tof the Mississippi River for 3,000 miles from northern to the Gulf of . The scenic route passes through 10 states and hundreds of river . The Great River Road is arguably the longest and most significant scenic byway in America. All along the Great River Road, travelers will find white signs displaying the green pilot’s wheel logo. The familiar pilot’s wheel symbol denotes which roads are part of the designated route. The route has been selected for its natural, cultural, historical, recreational and scenic properties. The section of the Great River Road National Scenic Byway in the Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail region is Route 3 from Cahokia to Chester, IL. Sections of the Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail located specifically on Route 3 in this region overlap with the Great River Road National Scenic Byway.

34 Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail Grant Recognition

The production of this informational booklet is made possible in part by the “Forgotten Illinois” Grant from Illinois Humanities. The Kaskaskia- Cahokia Trail Coalition is extremely grateful and would like to express the utmost thanks to Illinois Humanities, not only for allowing us the opportunity to share the importance and beauty of the Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail through this booklet, but also for the incredible scope of work they do on a daily basis. Credits and Disclaimer Illinois Humanities is supported in part by the National Endowment for the Humanities (NEH) and the Illinois General Assembly [through the Illinois Arts Council Agency], as well as by contributions from individuals, foundations and corporations. Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed by speakers, program participants, or audiences do not necessarily reflect those of the NEH, Illinois Humanities, our partnering organizations or our funders. Awards Landmarks Illinois Richard H. Driehaus Foundation Preservation Award Excellence in Tourism Best Cooperative Partnership Award East West Gateway Outstanding Local Government Achievement Award Exemplary Intergovernmental Collaboration Midwest Travel Treasure

35 For more information, please visit KCTrailIllinois.org The Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail Coalition The Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail Coalition is a 501 c 3 organization formed exclusively to promote, preserve, protect and develop the historic, architectural, cultural and natural heritage of the Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail through educational, charitable, historical and scientific purposes and to promote the expansion of the tourism industry in Southwestern Illinois.

Interested in preserving and enhancing the Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail? The Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail Coalition is a nonprofit group dedicated to the protection, preservation and interpretation of historic sites along the trail. We always welcome new members and donations. Get involved! Become a supporting member! Visit our website for more information or send donations to: Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail Coalition 100 West Fourth Street, Waterloo, Illinois 62298 KCTrailIllinois.org

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