Ware in Union County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Lewis and Clark in Illinois
Photographed by Jason Voigt, June 10, 2026
1. Lewis and Clark in Illinois Marker
Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, and their party passed this place on their way west. Here they crossed the river to visit Cape Girardeau. The next day they were relieved to find Nathaniel Pryor, a recruit who had gone hunting two days earlier but never returned. On November 24, 1803, they camped on a rocky sandbar near by.
Erected 2003 by The State of Illinois and the Illinois Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Commission.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Exploration. In addition, it is included in the Lewis & Clark Expedition series list. A significant historical date for this entry is November 24, 1803.
Location. 37° 26.659′ N, 89° 23.757′ W. Marker is in Ware, Illinois, in Union County. It is on Illinois Route 3 south of Route 146, on the right when traveling south. Marker is on a roadside pullout. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 15 IL-3, Jonesboro IL 62952, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Southern Illinois Little Egypt and in Shawnee Hills. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Corn Belt, and in the Great River
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 7 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Scientific Mission (here, next to this marker); Veterans Memorial (approx. 3½ miles away); They Passed This Way (approx. 3.6 miles away in Missouri); Bushyhead Memorial (approx. 3.7 miles away in Missouri); Anna-Jonesboro (approx. 3.9 miles away); The Lewis and Clark Expedition Across Missouri (approx. 4½ miles away in Missouri); Father Jacques Marquette (approx. 4½ miles away in Missouri); Lincoln-Douglas Debate (approx. 7 miles away).
Photographed by Jason Voigt, June 10, 2026
2. Lewis and Clark in Illinois Marker
Photographed by Jason Voigt, June 10, 2026
3. Lewis and Clark in Illinois Marker
Marker is on a roadside pullout.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 10, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 29, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 766 times since then and 56 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 10, 2026, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.
