Kaskaskia in Randolph County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Liberty Bell of the West
Photographed by Jason Voigt, December 12, 2019
1. The Liberty Bell of the West Marker
This bell, given by King Louis XV of France to the Catholic Church of the Illinois Country in 1741, has been in Kaskaskia for centuries. The people of Kaskaskia rang it in celebration after George Rogers Clark occupied the town on July 4, 1778, during the American Revolution. It continued to be rung on July 4 for many years thereafter.
Erected 1995 by Illinois State Organization and National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Revolutionary. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), and the Historic Bells series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1741.
Location. 37° 55.297′ N, 89° 54.879′ W. Marker is in Kaskaskia, Illinois, in Randolph County. It is at the intersection of 1st Street and Webster Street, on the right when traveling south on 1st Street. Marker is mounted next to the entrance of the Kaskaskia Bell State Historic Site (also known as Kaskaskia Bell State Memorial), which is located on Kaskaskia Island. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address:
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Southern Illinois Little Egypt. It is also in the American Midwest, 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 Viceroyalty of New France, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, and the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Lewis and Clark in Kaskaskia (a few steps from this marker); Illinois in the American Revolution (a few steps from this marker); Lafayette's Tour (within shouting distance of this marker); LeVasseur Altar (within shouting distance of this marker); Colonial Dames XVII Century (within shouting distance of this marker); Ft. Gage Village (approx. 2.8 miles away); Home of Pierre Menard (approx. 2.8 miles away); a different marker also named The Home of Pierre Menard (approx. 2.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kaskaskia.
Regarding The Liberty Bell of the West. Access
Photographed by Jason Voigt, December 12, 2019
2. The Liberty Bell of the West Marker
Marker is on the left side of the entrance of the Kaskaskia Bell State Memorial building.
Also see . . . Kaskaskia Bell State Memorial on Wikipedia. Wikipedia page for the monument, which contains more information about the historical bell. (Submitted on December 15, 2019, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)
Photographed by Jason Voigt, August 25, 2021
3. The Liberty Bell of the West Marker
The actual bell can be viewed through locked doors.
Credits. This page was last revised on September 6, 2025. It was originally submitted on December 15, 2019, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 874 times since then and 47 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 15, 2019, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. 3. submitted on August 25, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. • Michael Herrick was the editor who published this page.
