Cave-In-Rock in Hardin County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

The Cave

Lewis & Clark Expedition

— 1803-1806 —

The Cave Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Jason Voigt, August 11, 2020

1. The Cave Marker

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

This natural cave located nearby was known to European explorers as early as 1729. Its location was noted in diaries and journals of travelers. It was noted on maps used by Lewis and Clark.

Late in the 18th century, The Cave was the habitat for robbers, thieves, and gangs. These malefactors included Samuel Mason and the Harpe Brothers.

Knowing of the cave's history, Lewis and Clark would have approached this point with caution.

Erected 2003 by The Illinois Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Commission.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the Lewis & Clark Expedition series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1729.

Location. 37° 28.113′ N, 88° 9.979′ W. Marker is in Cave-In-Rock, Illinois, in Hardin County. Marker is at the intersection of Canal Street (Illinois Route 1) and Market Street, on the right when traveling south on Canal Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 Canal St, Cave in Rock IL 62919, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 11 miles of

Photographed By Jason Voigt, August 11, 2020

2. The Cave Marker

Next to the other marker placed by the Illinois Lewis & Clark Bicentennial Commission, as well as the Lewis & Clark silhouette sculpture that is commonly found near these markers.

Click or scan to see
this page online

this marker, measured as the crow flies. Lewis and Clark in Illinois (here, next to this marker); Geologic Wonder (approx. 0.4 miles away); Civil War Action (approx. 7.3 miles away in Kentucky); The Elizabethtown First Baptist Church (approx. 7.9 miles away); Fueling The Furnace (approx. 9.1 miles away); A Community Comes Alive (approx. 9.1 miles away); Illinois Iron Furnace (approx. 9.1 miles away); U. S. Treasurer (approx. 10.1 miles away in Kentucky). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Cave-In-Rock.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 20, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 20, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 179 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 20, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.