Near Ellis Grove in Randolph County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Fort Kaskaskia Shelter

Photographed by Jason Voigt, November 30, 2020

1. Fort Kaskaskia Shelter Marker

Inscription. For more than 80 years, this shelter stood sentinel over the confluence of the Kaskaskia and Mississippi Rivers…one of the most beautiful views in North America. Over the decades, thousands of visitors, families and friends enjoyed the shelter for gatherings, weddings, reunions and celebrations. The shelter made memories for generations, and for visitors from all parts of the world.

Then on the night of October 31, 2012, an accidental fire completely destroyed the structure.

Thanks to the combined efforts of the Randolph County Historical Society, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Randolph County, the Randolph County Progress Committee, the Community Foundation of Randolph County, and generous gifts from these families and organizations, as well as donations from many others. This shelter was rebuilt for future generations to share and enjoy.

(list of donors)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 2012.

Location. 37° 58.128′ N, 89° 54.627′ W. Marker is near Ellis Grove, Illinois, in Randolph County. It is on Park Road half a mile Shawneetown Trail (County Route 3), on the right when traveling east. Marker is mounted on the shelter

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at Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4372 Park Rd, Ellis Grove IL 62241, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southern Illinois — Little Egypt.

It is also in the American Midwest,

in the Corn Belt,

and in the Great River Road Region.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds 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 walking distance of this marker: Kaskaskia Village (a few steps from this marker); Kaskaskia Island (a few steps from this marker); Dedicated in Memory of George Rogers Clark (a few steps from this marker); Lewis and Clark in Illinois (within shouting distance of this marker); Garrison Hill Cemetery (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Site of Fort Kaskaskia (approx. 0.4 miles away); Looking For a Few Good Men (approx. 0.4 miles away); Reily Lake (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ellis Grove.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Beaver Island (was a few steps from this marker but has been confirmed missing).

Regarding Fort Kaskaskia Shelter. The Rauner Family Foundation (mentioned on the marker, listed first among the donors) is the philanthropic vehicle of Bruce & Diana Rauner. Bruce served as Governor of Illinois from 2015-2019.

Photographed by Jason Voigt, November 30, 2020

2. Fort Kaskaskia Shelter Marker

Mounted on the shelter

Credits. This page was last revised on December 31, 2020. It was originally submitted on December 31, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 386 times since then and 31 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 31, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.