Grand Tower in Jackson County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Grand Tower

Lewis & Clark Expedition

— 1803-1806 —

Grand Tower Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Jason Voigt, August 25, 2021

1. Grand Tower Marker

Inscription. Captain William Boone, the nephew of the famous Daniel Boone, is thought to have been the first white settler in Jackson county, having arrived shortly after Lewis and Clark discovered Tower Rock. William Boone's son, Benningen, was the first white child born in Jackson County. Other early white settlers included Colonel James Gill, who resided with his family and slaves near Devil's Bake oven. He was a farmer and owned and operated a ferry boat, which established the area as an important Mississippi River crossing point.

Erected 2003 by Illinois Lewis and Clark Bicentennial Commission.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Exploration • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Lewis & Clark Expedition series list.

Location. 37° 38.343′ N, 89° 30.688′ W. Marker is in Grand Tower, Illinois, in Jackson County. It is on Park Road west of Brunkhurst Avenue, on the right when traveling north. Marker is located at the Devil's Backbone Park campground. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1921 Brunkhorst Ave, Grand Tower IL 62942, 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 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 territory of the Mississippian Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker

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, measured as the crow flies: This Steam Locomotive (a few steps from this marker); In Memoriam (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Lewis and Clark in Illinois (approx. 0.6 miles away); a different marker also named The Grand Tower (approx. 0.6 miles away in Missouri); Mrs. Melissa (Mom) Hale (approx. 0.7 miles away); World Wars Memorial (approx. 0.8 miles away); Ev. Luth. St. Paul's Church U.A.C. (approx. 1.6 miles away in Missouri); God's Hand (approx. 4.1 miles away in Missouri). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Grand Tower.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Historic Presbyterian Church (was approx. one mile away but has been confirmed missing).

More about this marker. Marker may have been originally placed somewhere on the grounds of the park.

Regarding Grand Tower. The campground section of the park is usually closed during the off-season (mostly winter).

Photographed by Jason Voigt, August 25, 2021

2. Grand Tower Marker

Marker sits outside a shed. It was originally displayed nearby; may have been somewhere at Devil's Backbone Park.

Photographed by Jason Voigt, August 25, 2021

3. Grand Tower Marker

Entrance to the campground part of Devil's Backbone Park.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 25, 2021. It was originally submitted on August 25, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 808 times since then and 50 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 25, 2021, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.