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

Modoc Rock Shelter

Photographed by Jason Voigt, July 1, 2025

1. Modoc Rock Shelter Marker

Inscription.
The layered sediments at the base of this bluff preserve a record of repeated use of two rock shelters by Native Americans groups from 9000 to 4000 years ago. The earliest groups camped here for short periods of time. By 8,000 years ago, some groups lived here for longer periods. Their tools, structures such as pits and hearths, and food refuse suggest the wider range of activities associated with base camps. Around 4,000 years ago, groups used the shelters for more specialized hunting camps associated with base camps located elsewhere. Research for this locality documents important cultural and environmental changes.

Erected 2021 by Illinois State Museum and the Illinois State Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Indigenous Peoples and Communities. In addition, it is included in the Illinois State Historical Society, and the National Historic Landmarks series lists.

Location. 38° 3.765′ N, 90° 3.843′ W. Marker is near Prairie du Rocher, Illinois, in Randolph County. It is on Bluff Road (County Route 7) east of Roscow Hollow Road, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 6899 Bluff Rd, Prairie du Rocher IL 62277, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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

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.

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At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: A different marker also named Modoc Rock Shelter (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Modoc Rock Shelter (here, next to this marker); St. Joseph Catholic Church (approx. 2 miles away); The Conner House (approx. 2.3 miles away); Conner-Hauck House (approx. 2.4 miles away); The Creole House (approx. 2.4 miles away); 2022 - 300 Years Of Tradition (approx. 2.4 miles away); State Bank of Prairie Du Rocher (approx. 2.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Prairie du Rocher.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Modoc Rock Shelter (has been replaced with this marker).

More about this marker. Marker replaced this earlier one put up in 1972 by the ISHS.

Also see . . . Modoc Rock Shelter on Wikipedia. The site, which was named to the National Historic Landmarks in 1961, was discovered in 1951 by amateur archaeologist Irvin Peithmann. (Submitted on September 6, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)

Photographed by Jason Voigt, July 1, 2025

2. Modoc Rock Shelter Marker

Photographed by Jason Voigt, July 1, 2025

3. Modoc Rock Shelter Marker

National Historic Landmark plaque image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Jason Voigt, July 1, 2025

4. National Historic Landmark plaque

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 87 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 6, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.