Alton in Madison County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Legend of the Piasa
Photographed By Larry Senalik, October 3, 2015
1. The Legend of the Piasa Marker
Inscription.
The Legend of the Piasa. . In 1673 Jacques Marquette reported that he and fellow French explorer Louis Jolliet discovered a Painting of what was probably two "Water Monsters" on the bluffs of the Mississippi River near present day Alton. By 1700 those pictographic creatures were no longer visible. In 1836 the novelist John Russell described an image cut into the bluff of a legendary dragon-like creature with wings. The creature was called Piasa, "The Bird That Devours Men." That version of the pictograph as well as myths about the Piasa have become prominent in folklore.
In 1673 Jacques Marquette reported that he and fellow French explorer Louis Jolliet discovered a Painting of what was probably two "Water Monsters" on the bluffs of the Mississippi River near present day Alton. By 1700 those pictographic creatures were no longer visible. In 1836 the novelist John Russell described an image cut into the bluff of a legendary dragon-like creature with wings. The creature was called Piasa, "The Bird That Devours Men." That version of the pictograph as well as myths about the Piasa have become prominent in folklore.
Erected 1984 by The Illinois State Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Native Americans. In addition, it is included in the Illinois State Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1673.
Location. 38° 53.887′ N, 90° 11.948′ W. Marker is in Alton, Illinois, in Madison County. Marker is on IL-100 (Illinois Route 100), on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Alton IL 62002, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 5, 2015, by Larry Senalik of Pleasant Plains, Illinois. This page has been viewed 507 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on October 5, 2015, by Larry Senalik of Pleasant Plains, Illinois. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
