Ilasco
An American Melting Pot
We came here in large numbers from nearby farms and faraway villages of southern and eastern Europe to build industrial America. We did our job well. Through blood, sweat and hard work we laid claim to the dignity of human labor and produced great commercial wealth for the nation. Out of shared struggles, we learned from each other and created a spirited community that mourned its losses and celebrated the great achievements of its people. We have left in this special place a rich history that cannot be forgotten.
Gregg Andrews
Author - City of Dust
ILASCO was created in 1903. Large numbers of Romanian, Slovak, Italian, Hungarian, Ukrainian, Polish, Croatian and other immigrants joined native-born residents drawn here by jobs at the Atlas Portland Cement Plant. ILASO through its churches, schools, folklore, languages, fraternal societies, cuisines and daily life, left a rich working-class cultural heritage that made it unique in Missouri. The community's name is an acronym for some of the cement manufacturing ingredients (Iron, Lime, Alumina, Silica, Calcium and Oxygen). ILASCO was converted into a company town in 1921 and dissolved in 1963.
Ilasco Historical Marker
Dedicated October, 1999
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In recognition of the hardships and sacrifices
of the residents of Ilasco, this monument has
been erected in their honor by their descendants
Erected 1999 by Ilasco Descendants.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1999.
Location. 39° 40.278′ N, 91° 18.579′ W. Marker is in Ilasco, Missouri, in Ralls County. Marker is at the intersection of State Highway 79 and Ilasco Drive, on the right when traveling north on State Highway 79. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Hannibal MO 63401, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Schools of Ilasco (here, next to this marker); Churches of Ilasco (here, next to this marker); Ilasco Bridge (here, next to this marker); Ilasco Missouri (a few steps from this marker); "Ilasco" Walk of Memories (a few steps from this marker); Monument to the Immigrants (a few steps from this marker); Ilasco Veterans Memorial (a few steps from this marker); Ilasco Schools (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ilasco.
Also see . . .
1. Immigrant Community of Ilasco, Missouri. (Submitted on September 18, 2020, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. ILASCO puts rich history on full display (Courier-Post, 2020). (Submitted on September 18, 2020, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Credits. This page was last revised on September 19, 2020. It was originally submitted on September 18, 2020, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 161 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on September 18, 2020, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.