Kaskaskia in Randolph County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Lewis and Clark in Kaskaskia
The French Connection
| | 1803 | |
Photographed by Jason Voigt, December 12, 2019
1. Lewis and Clark in Kaskaskia Marker
Meriwether Lewis and William Clark arrived in Kaskaskia with twenty-four men on November 29, 1803. Here they acquired the expedition's third boat, a pirogue. After recruiting twelve more soldiers, the Captains hired expert boatman and interpreter Francois Labiche. Half French, half Omaha, Labiche became an enlisted and valuable member of the Corps. They also hired some local Frenchmen to man their boats.
These engages came to Illinois from France, Canada or New Orleans. Some were born in the frontier; some were of Native American descent. They were experienced trappers and tradesmen; familiar with the dangers the journey would bring. After spending the winter with the Corps in the Mandan Villages, most engages returned home, bringing letters, journals, plants, animals and news of the expedition with them.
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In 1803, around 500 people lived in Kaskaskia. Historians believe Lewis and Clark stayed with local merchant William Morrison.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Exploration • Indigenous Peoples and Communities. In addition,
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Location. 37° 55.295′ N, 89° 54.873′ W. Marker is in Kaskaskia, Illinois, in Randolph County. It is on 1st Street just north of Illinois Street, on the left when traveling north. Marker is next to the Kaskaskia Bell State Historical 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.
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: The Liberty Bell of the West (a few steps from this marker);
Photographed by Jason Voigt, December 12, 2019
2. Lewis and Clark in Kaskaskia Marker
Marker is to the left of the Kaskaskia Bell State Memorial monument.
Regarding Lewis and Clark in Kaskaskia. Accessing 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.
Additional keywords. Multiracial Americans
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 771 times since then and 48 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 15, 2019, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
