Prairie du Rocher in Randolph County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
1864 U.S. Civil War Skirmish in Prairie du Rocher
Photographed By Thomas Smith, September 10, 2022
1. 1864 U. S. Civil War Skirmish in Prairie du Rocher Marker
A minor skirmish in the U.S. Civil War actually occurred when a group of "bushwhackers and desperadoes” came to Prairie du Rocher. Two guerillas were killed by Union soldiers and the others were captured. The subsequent actions of the soldiers in the village were to rob Blais' store of goods and steal horses from three inhabitants. The Union captain denied any wrongdoing, claiming that people in town were Confederate sympathizers. The U.S. Civil War ends in 1865.
Historical Relevance
1835 - William Henty plats Prairie du Rocher's migration to higher ground.
1836 - Battle of the Alamo.
1837 - Chicago becomes a city.
1839 - Antoine Blais established Trade and Barter Store - Predecessor of Conner's Store still standing.
1844 - Great flood covers part of St. Joseph cemetery.
1846 - Planet Neptune was discovered.
1849 - California Gold Rush. Antoine Blais and several other residents head west.
1855 - St. Joseph's Parochial School built.
1858 - Current St. Joseph's brick church built.
1861 - U.S. Civil War begins.
1863 - 13th Amendment abolishes slavery.
1865 - Abraham Lincoln is assassinated.
By 1864, villagers had lived through the Fox War, the French and Indian War, the American Revolution, the War of 1812, and the Civil
this page online
During the Civil War travel from Missouri to Illinois required permission. How many wars have been fought on American soil since you have been born?
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Settlements & Settlers • War, US Civil.
Location. 38° 5.15′ N, 90° 5.843′ W. Marker is in Prairie du Rocher, Illinois, in Randolph County. Marker can be reached from the intersection of Market Street and Court Street, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: 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. 1902 - Railroad Granted Easement (a few steps from this marker); 1916 - Fort de Chartres Becomes a State Park (a few steps from this marker); 1765 - Living under British Rule (a few steps from this marker); 1993 - Prairie du Rocher Spared (a few steps from this marker); Lee- Brickey Mansion Destroyed (a few steps from this marker); Conner's Store (within shouting distance of this marker); 1889 - First Phantom Funeral Sighting Documented (within shouting distance of this marker); The Creole House (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Prairie du Rocher.
Photographed By Jason Voigt, October 13, 2022
2. 1864 U.S. Civil War Skirmish in Prairie du Rocher Marker
Marker is next to other markers in front of a grassy area. The 1864 marker is in front in this picture.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 22, 2022. It was originally submitted on September 13, 2022, by Thomas Smith of Waterloo, Ill. This page has been viewed 463 times since then and 263 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on September 13, 2022, by Thomas Smith of Waterloo, Ill. 2. submitted on November 22, 2022, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
