Near Prairie du Rocher in Randolph County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Modoc Rock Shelter
Photographed by Jason Voigt, November 30, 2020
1. Modoc Rock Shelter Marker
As early as 8000 B.C. prehistoric Indians were camping in the shelter of this great sandstone bluff. These nomadic people, who lived by hunting animals and gathering plants for food and fibers, came here regularly for more than 6000 years. Later Indian groups, who began to settle in villages, used the rock shelter occasionally when hunting. The pioneers and their descendants continued to make use of the shelter in historic times
Erected 1972 by Illinois State Museum and the Illinois State Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Illinois State Historical Society series list.
Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 38° 3.763′ N, 90° 3.841′ W. Marker was near Prairie du Rocher, Illinois, in Randolph County. It was on Bluff Road (County Route 7) east of Roscow Hollow Road, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address:
this page online
Regionally, this marker was in Southern Illinois Little Egypt. It was also in the American Midwest, in the Corn Belt, and in the Great River Road Region. Globally, it was in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it found 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 location, measured as the crow flies: A different marker also named Modoc Rock Shelter (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Modoc Rock Shelter (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Modoc Rock Shelter (here, next to this marker); St. Joseph Catholic Church (approx. 2 miles away); The Conner House (approx. 2.3 miles away); Conner-Hauck House (approx. 2.4 miles away); The Creole House (approx. 2.4 miles away); 2022 - 300 Years Of Tradition (approx. 2.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Prairie du
Photographed by Jason Voigt, November 30, 2020
2. Modoc Rock Shelter Marker
Marker is with others at the base of a huge bluff.
More about this marker. Marker was replaced with this one in October 2021.
Also see . . . Modoc Rock Shelter on Wikipedia. The site, which was named to the National Historic Landmarks in 1961, was discovered in 1951 by amateur archaeologist Irvin Peithmann. (Submitted on November 30, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)
Credits. This page was last revised on September 6, 2025. It was originally submitted on November 30, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 468 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 30, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.
