Granite City in Madison County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Six Mile Prairie
Photographed by Jason Voigt, September 3, 2019
1. Six Mile Prairie Marker
Six Mile Prairie, located in the American Bottom six miles from St. Louis, was first settled in the 1830's by American farm families who migrated from the Upland south. With their crude farm implements, these pioneers broke through the tough prairie sod to grow crops in this rich bottomland, once called the "Garden Spot of the State." The increase in farm trade and stage coach traffic required improved access between Six Mile Prairie and St. Louis. In 1849 a plank road was constructed of 12 foot oak logs split and laid face up on stringers. This later became an extension of the National Road.
Erected 1989 by Old Six Mile Historical Society and the Illinois State Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Illinois State Historical Society series list.
Location. 38° 43.324′ N, 90° 6.239′ W. Marker is in Granite City, Illinois, in Madison County. It can be reached from Maryville Road. The marker is located on the grounds
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Greater St. Louis. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Lewis & Clark Corridor, in the Corn Belt, and in the Great River Road Region. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Meet Earl (approx. 1.2 miles away); V.F.W. Post 1300 Veterans Memorial (approx. 1.7 miles away); The City of Granite City (approx. 1.8 miles away); Veterans Memorial (approx. 2.6 miles away); In Honor of Our Heroes (approx. 2.8 miles away); Victory Mothers (approx. 2.8 miles away); Ruben Mendoza (approx. 2.9 miles away); The Magic of Roadside Attractions (approx. 2.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all
Photographed by Jason Voigt, September 3, 2019
2. Six Mile Prairie Marker
In the background is the back of the Emmert-Zippel House (The Old Six Mile Museum)
More about this marker. According to the Illinois State Historical Society's website, the marker was dedicated on August 20, 1989.
Regarding Six Mile Prairie. Built in 1837, the house is the oldest structure in Granite City.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 19, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 3, 2019, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 1,532 times since then and 99 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 3, 2019, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
