Kaskaskia in Randolph County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

LeVasseur Altar

Photographed by Jason Voigt, August 19, 2025

1. LeVasseur Altar Marker

Inscription.
This historic altar in the Immaculate Conception Church at Kaskaskia, IL, is one of the many altar sculptures of the prominent LaVasseur Family of Quebec.

This high altar was sculpted in the early 1700's.

The original Kaskaskia Church was established in 1675 by the Jesuits, French settlers and the Kaskaskia Indians under Chief Rouensa.

The first stone church was built in 1714 and needed a permanent, beautiful altar.

The altar has remained at Kaskaskia since then, and is still used today for worship.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Indigenous Peoples and Communities • Religion & Religious Structures. A significant historical year for this entry is 1675.

Location. 37° 55.327′ N, 89° 54.888′ W. Marker is in Kaskaskia, Illinois, in Randolph County. It is on 1st Street north of Illinois Street, on the right when traveling south. Marker is in front of the Immaculate Conception Chapel. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 203 1st St, Chester IL 62233, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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

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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 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Lafayette's Tour (a few steps from this marker); Colonial Dames XVII Century (a few steps from this marker); Illinois in the American Revolution (within shouting distance of this marker); The Liberty Bell of the West (within shouting distance of this marker); Lewis and Clark in Kaskaskia (within shouting distance of this marker); Ft. Gage Village (approx. 2.7 miles away); Home of Pierre Menard (approx. 2.8 miles away); a different marker also named The Home of Pierre Menard (approx. 2.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kaskaskia.

Regarding LeVasseur Altar. Access to Kaskaskia Island is only in Missouri, from the town of St. Mary. Road signs will point

Photographed by Jason Voigt, August 19, 2025

2. LeVasseur Altar Marker

towards the direction of the Kaskaskia Bell, which is five miles from the bridge that separates Illinois and Missouri. Because of the island being surrounded by two parts of the Mississippi River, it is vulnerable to flooding. It is best to check with local weather listings before accessing Kaskaskia.

Also see . . . The Vassaur Family in Arkansas. This is a genealogy site which traces the descendants of the LaVasseur Family. (This is the link when the QR code is scanned) (Submitted on September 6, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)

Credits. This page was last revised on September 6, 2025. It was originally submitted on September 6, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 76 times since then and 18 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on September 6, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.