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

Kaskaskia

Photographed by Thomas Smith, October 29, 2026

1. Kaskaskia Marker

Inscription. From 1703 until it washed away by the Mississippi two centuries later, the ancient town of Kaskaskia - the second settlement in Illinois, the territorial capital and the first state capital - stood wo miles southwest of here. Fort Kaskaskia State park and the Menard are memorial to this one prominent village

Erected 1935 by State of Illinois.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Disasters • Parks & Recreational Areas • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1708.

Location. 37° 58.636′ N, 89° 52.738′ W. Marker is in Ellis Grove, Illinois, in Randolph County. It is at the intersection of State Highway 3 and Shawnee Town Trail (County Road 3), on the left when traveling south on State Highway 3. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 7479 Shawneetown Trail, Ellis Grove IL 62241, 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,

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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 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: A different marker also named Kaskaskia (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Site of Fort Kaskaskia (approx. 1.7 miles away); Garrison Hill Cemetery (approx. 1.8 miles away); Looking For a Few Good Men (approx. 1.8 miles away); Fort Kaskaskia Woods Walk (approx. 1.8 miles away); Fort Kaskaskia Shelter (approx. 1.8 miles away); Kaskaskia Village (approx. 1.8 miles away); Kaskaskia Island (approx. 1.8 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ellis Grove.

Credits. This page was last revised on November 3, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 2, 2026, by Thomas Smith of Waterloo, Ill. This page has been viewed 9 times since then. Photo 1. submitted on November 2, 2026, by Thomas Smith of Waterloo, Ill. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. Wide shot of the marker in context. • Can you help?