Old Shawneetown in Gallatin County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Lewis & Clark Expedition

1803-1806

Photographed By Jason Voigt, August 11, 2020

1. Lewis & Clark Expedition Marker

Inscription. Lewis and Clark made their first entry into the "Illinois Country" as it was known in 1803, near this location. The primary purpose for the stop was to procure a supply of salt for their journey. Here they would have encountered the "squatters" which represented future builders of the society. This area would shortly become the gateway for the settlement in the future State of Illinois.

Local Lore

Local settlers had heard of President Jefferson's plans for western expansion and were not excited. By the time that Lewis and Clark visited, they had become supporters.

Early settlers to this area, prior to and shortly after the arrival of Lewis and Clark, were: Michael Sprinkle, Isaac White, John Marshall, Pierre La Boissiere, and John Caldwell.

Erected 2003 by The Illinois Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Commission.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Exploration • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Lewis & Clark Expedition series list.

Location. 37° 41.765′ N, 88° 8.11′ W. Marker is in Old Shawneetown, Illinois, in Gallatin County. Marker is at the intersection of Main Street and Washington Street

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, on the right when traveling north on Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 280 Washington St, Shawneetown IL 62984, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Lewis and Clark in Illinois (here, next to this marker); Kaskaskia-Shawneetown and Goshen Trails (here, next to this marker); The Spirit of Shawneetown (within shouting distance of this marker); Lafayette's Tour (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Rawlings' Hotel (about 400 feet away); General Logan's Marriage (about 400 feet away); Tent City (about 800 feet away); The John Marshall Residence (about 800 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Old Shawneetown.

More about this marker. This is the first of a series of markers, beginning from the east, that were placed in some Illinois towns located off the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers in 2003. All of them were placed by the Lewis & Clark Bicentennial Commission, and were usually partnered with the National Park Service and local historical societies. In addition, all markers had "Lewis & Clark Expedition" and "1803-1806" as the subtitles and they detailed the beginnings of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, before the Corps of Discovery part started in Missouri. Some of them had Lewis & Clark silhouette sculptures placed next to them. The last marker

Kaskaskia-Shawneetown and Goshen Trails Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Jason Voigt, August 11, 2020

2. Kaskaskia-Shawneetown and Goshen Trails Marker

Marker is next to two other markers plus the silhouette art sculpture of Lewis & Clark

is in Hartford, Illinois, which is located directly near the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers.

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 237 times since then and 19 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on August 20, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. 2. submitted on August 13, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.