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

Kaskaskia Island

Photographed By Jason Voigt, November 30, 2020

1. Kaskaskia Island Marker

Inscription. In the flood of April 1881, the Mississippi divided its channel and broke into the lower Kaskaskia River below this bluff, forming Kaskaskia Island. The historic town of Kaskaskia lay directly in its path, and was eventually destroyed. Thus the role played by Kaskaskia in the great drama of history closed in tragedy.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical year for this entry is 1881.

Location. 37° 58.131′ N, 89° 54.64′ W. Marker is near Ellis Grove, Illinois, in Randolph County. Marker can be reached from Park Road, half a mile Shawneetown Trail (County Route 3). Marker is located at Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site, at the shelter and Mississippi River overlook. 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.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Lewis and Clark in Illinois (a few steps from this marker); Kaskaskia Village (a few steps from this marker); Fort Kaskaskia Shelter (a few steps from this marker); Dedicated in Memory of George Rogers Clark (a few steps from this marker); Garrison Hill Cemetery (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Site of Fort Kaskaskia (approx. 0.4

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miles away); Looking For a Few Good Men (approx. 0.4 miles away); The Home of Pierre Menard (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ellis Grove.

Also see . . . Kaskaskia, Illinois on Wikipedia. Wiki page provides lots of history about the once, thriving city and state capital of Illinois. Today, it is unincorporated and no more than twenty people live on the island. Two historic sites still remain, however. (Submitted on December 31, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)

Photographed By Jason Voigt, November 30, 2020

2. Kaskaskia Island Marker

Marker is on the left, mounted on the shelter - facing the Mississippi River.

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 152 times since then and 20 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 31, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.