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

Inscription. 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, 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. Marker 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: 302 1st Street, Chester IL 62233, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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

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(a few steps from this marker); Lafayette's Tour (a few steps from this marker); Colonial Dames XVII Century (within shouting distance of this marker); Home of Pierre Menard (approx. 2.8 miles away); a different marker also named The Home of Pierre Menard (approx. 2.8 miles away); Looking For a Few Good Men (approx. 3 miles away); Site of Fort Kaskaskia (approx. 3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kaskaskia.

Regarding The Liberty Bell of the West. Access to Kaskaskia Island is only in Missouri, from the town of St. Mary. Road signs will point towards the direction of the Kaskaskia Bell, which is five miles from the bridge that separates Illinois and Missouri. Because of the island being surrounded by two parts of the Mississippi River, it is vulnerable to flooding. It is best to check with local weather listings before accessing Kaskaskia.

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, 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.

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 October 26, 2022. It was originally submitted on December 15, 2019, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 436 times since then and 35 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.