Prairie du Rocher in Randolph County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

1951 - Archaeological Dig Unearth Archaic Artifacts

Photographed By Thomas Smith, September 10, 2022

1. 1951 - Archaeological Dig Unearth Archaic Artifacts Marker

Inscription.
The Modoc Rock Shelter site was discovered in 1951 by archaeologist Irvin Peithmann. As a result of road grading, Peithmann observed artifacts on the surface under or near the bluff at the site on Bluff Road. This spurred major excavations in the 1950's and 1980's, mostly led by the Illinois State Museum. Artifacts revealed that 9,000 years ago this rock shelter was used as short-term camp: by 6,000 years ago it was used as a long-term camp; and then again for a hunting camp 4,000 years ago.

Historical Relevance
1948 - W.P.A. installs water lines to homes in village.
1941 - Japan bombs Pearl Harbor; U.S. enter WWII.
1946 - Prairie Theater opens with "Blue Dahlia" premier.
1948 - Construction begins of 16.5-mile levee system.
1951 - St. Joseph's parish builds current brick school, which is leased to the Public School District.
1955 - Salk's polio vaccine is given throughout the U.S.
1956 - First Baptist Church of Prairie du Rocher organized.
1957 - School gymnasium completed.
1958 - Interstate Highway System begins.
1963 - John F. Kennedy assassinated.
1968 - Martin Luther King assassinated. 1969 - Neil Armstrong walks on the moon.

Though

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this area is best known for its French founding and the rich agriculture, it is now certain that our bluffs have been providing shelter for 9,000+ years. Evidence has shown that during their occupation, the inhabitants had a diet of deer, raccoon, opossum, birds and fish. These earlier settlers, too, thought it was a perfect place to call home!

⚜️ Deposits are first stratified archaic deposits found in Eastern North America. ⚜️

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Native Americans • Notable Events. A significant historical year for this entry is 1948.

Location. 38° 5.168′ N, 90° 5.858′ W. Marker is in Prairie du Rocher, Illinois, in Randolph County. Marker is on Market Street just north of Court Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 211 Market St, Prairie du Rocher IL 62277, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. 1889 - First Phantom Funeral Sighting Documented (here, next to this marker); 1763 - Treaty of Paris Affects Prairie du Rocher (here, next to this marker); 1722 - Village of Prairie du Rocher is Formed (a few steps from this marker); 1765 - Living under British Rule (a few steps from this marker); 1743 - Common Ground Established in Prairie du Rocher

Photographed By Thomas Smith, September 10, 2022

2. 1951 - Archaeological Dig Unearth Archaic Artifacts Marker

(within shouting distance of this marker); 1778 - Third Flag To Fly Over Prairie du Rocher (within shouting distance of this marker); Palmier's Hall & Cafe (within shouting distance of this marker); 1916 - Fort de Chartres Becomes a State Park (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Prairie du Rocher.

Additional commentary.
1.

— Submitted September 12, 2022, by Thomas Smith of Waterloo, Ill.

Credits. This page was last revised on September 19, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 12, 2022, by Thomas Smith of Waterloo, Ill. This page has been viewed 88 times since then and 22 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 12, 2022, by Thomas Smith of Waterloo, Ill. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.