Alice first appeared in 1933 as the beastly cohort of the evil Seahag. Alice the Goon and her child soon became friends with Popeye and fan favorites. — — Map (db m246896) HM
Castor, Olive's brother, was always a schemer. In 1929 he met Bernice the Magical Hen, and planned a boat trip to Dice Island. A very young Popeye was hired to pilot their boat. Elzie Segar, the year before he died, introduced "Castor Oyl, the . . . — — Map (db m161717) HM
The town of Chester, Illinois, sprawls on the eastern bluffs overlooking the November 27, 1803, Horse Island campsite of Captain Lewis and William Clark on the west bank of the Mississippi River near its confluence with the Kaskaskia River. The . . . — — Map (db m144872) HM
Shadrach Bond, first Governor of Illinois (1818-1822), is buried in Evergreen Cemetery in Chester. The first recorded settler in the area was John McFerron who purchased land in 1817 but Samuel Smith, who settled here in 1830, is considered the . . . — — Map (db m161446) HM
Father of Olive & Castor Oyl, husband to Nana and original cast member of Thimble Theater in 1919. Cole's character was inspired by Chester Library's founder, C.B. Cole — — Map (db m161721) HM
Elias Kent Kane, architect of the state's first constitution was born in New York in 1794. Kane studied law and began his practice in Tennessee. In 1814 he moved to Kaskaskia, where he was appointed a judge of the Illinois Territory. Active in . . . — — Map (db m161382) HM
The Mississippi "cannot be tamed, curbed, or confined you cannot bar its path with an obstruction which it will not tear down, dance over and laugh at."
-Mark Twain
The bottomland in front of you was flooded from the Chester bluff . . . — — Map (db m161862) HM
For God and Country, dedicated in memory of those of our community who made the supreme sacrifice in the great wars. May they rest in peace . — — Map (db m190977) WM
These miniature replicas of Popeye first appeared in a dream sequence in the 1940 film "Wimmin is a Myskery". They returned as Popeye's four nephews in the 1942 film "Pip-eye, Pup-eye, Poop-eye and' Peep-eye" and many other films for four decades — — Map (db m161718) HM
In the third year of the American Revolutionary War, Lt. Col. George Rogers Clark and his army of 170 Virginians set out from Fort Massac (Metropolis) on their way to liberate the town of Kaskaskia from British control. On July 3, 1778, Clark's army . . . — — Map (db m161445) HM
Shadrach Bond, first Governor of Illinois, was born November 24, 1773, in Fredericktown, Maryland. He came to Illinois in 1794 and farmed at New Design. In 1805 he was elected to the Indiana Territorial Assembly, where he was instrumental in . . . — — Map (db m161381) HM
On Dec. 19, 1919 Harold Hamgravy and Olive Oyl became the premiere characters of Segar's Cartoon Series, Thimble Theatre. Popeye's debut would follow Jan. 17, 1929. — — Map (db m196122) HM
On November 27, 1803, Meriwether Lewis, William Clark and their party camped on Horse Island, just opposite this place at the confluence of the Kaskaskia and Mississippi Rivers. The next morning, Lewis left them to travel by land. Clark and the . . . — — Map (db m144873) HM
Built in 1854, in continuous service from 1854-1930. Was originally part of a planked toll road between Breman and Chester. All of the timber in the bridge is the original with the exceptions of the floor, floor joist, roof and siding. Acquired by . . . — — Map (db m161447) HM
Oscar, Popeye's comedic comrade debuted in 1931 - named after Segar's friend & tavern owner, Oscar Wittenbrink - per family history. — — Map (db m246895) HM
In 1936 King Features Syndicate instructed Elzie Segar to tone down Popeye's roughness. They feared his popular sailor was too rough for the millions of his young fans. Pappy, Popeye's ornery father, was created to fill the void. Pappy's film . . . — — Map (db m161541) HM
This statue is erected in tribute to Elzie Crisler Segar
Born in Chester, Illinois - Dec. 8, 1894
Died in Santa Monica, California - Oct. 13, 1938
Mr. Segar created Popeye from his recollection of Frank "Rocky" Fiegel — . . . — — Map (db m70409) HM
Chester's Historic Riverfront. Imagine early Chester and its bustling businesses along the riverfront. Hotels, restaurants, a machine shop, and several large stores lined both sides of the street. The Landmark (known as the St.Louis Flats) on the . . . — — Map (db m155831) HM
Elzie Segar debuted this eccentric inventor and self-described genius on May 8, 1932 by writing him into the popular "Sappo" comic. The professor became a mainstay in the Popeye comic books of the 1940's — — Map (db m161540) HM
Reily Lake, once a thriving community the
Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail in Randolph County
played an important role in the development of
the Illinois Country
Frenchman Prix Paget (Pagi) erected one of the first water
mills in Illinois in . . . — — Map (db m292383) HM
This marker commemorates the
men and women who achieved
American independence.
These Patriots, believing in the
noble cause of liberty, fought
valiantly to found a new nation.
1775-1783 — — Map (db m252656) WM
Segar's hard working chef debuted on May 24, 1931. He owns and operates the Rough House Cafι. Since the diner serves hamburgers, Wimpy frequents the beanery in constant search of a free meal and his famous plea "I'll gladly pay you Tuesday for a . . . — — Map (db m161716) HM
The Sea Hag was created by Elzie C. Segar in 1929 as part of the "Thimble Theater" comic strip. She has become one of the principal enemies of Popeye the Sailor. Upon first meeting Popeye she fell madly in love with him. With the aid of her pet . . . — — Map (db m161714) HM
The Times
Elzie Crisler Segar
Creator of Popeye
Born December 8, 1894
Chester Illinois
Erected in 2019
125 Anniversary
of Segar's Birth
Acknowledging
Segar's compelling
interest in the
master detective — — Map (db m196128) HM
The Village of Kaskaskia was established in April 1703 by the French in Illinois Country of New France. Kaskaskia is recognized as the oldest seat of organized government west of the Allegheny Mountains.
On April 18, 1818, the United States . . . — — Map (db m163829) HM
In 1938 plans began in Chester to build a bridge spanning the Mississippi River. Construction of the bridge started in 1941 and was completed in 1942 at a cost of $1,385,000. The total length of the bridge was 2,826 feet with two 670 foot center . . . — — Map (db m161842) HM
The railroads were part of everyday life. Up to 14 passenger and freight trains passed through Chester each day on three railroads. A popular means of transportation was the Dinky, a self-propelled motor car for short and low volume routes. . . . — — Map (db m156246) HM
Showboats traveled up and down the river bring plays and music to Chester. A band marched up the hill to play at the courthouse or in town. Residents were invited to attend plays performed on board — — Map (db m156191) HM
This Eternal Flame
A Torch of Freedom
Dedicated in memory of all war heroes, living and dead, for devoted service to their country — — Map (db m190981) WM
Thomas Mather was born in Simsbury, Connecticut, in 1795. His father, William Mather, fought in the Revolutionary War and was a direct descendant of Cotton Mather. The New England minister associated with the Salem Witch Trials. Thomas Mather . . . — — Map (db m161322) HM
Dedicated to the memory of
Those who died in military
Service to our station, and in
Honor of all who served in
The Armed Forces of the
United States of America.
Those honored here "gave the
Last full measure of devotion" . . . — — Map (db m163833) WM
Weistar House ca 1859
has been listed in the
National Register
Of Historic Places
(additional plaque:)
Stone Cottage
1850
on Lot 20 deeded to
John & Samuel Lybarger
Descendants of
Revolutionary War . . . — — Map (db m163831) HM
In July 1882 the Town Board appointed John Osborn and J.M. Jones to correspond with parties in Belleville for a hand Fire Engine which cost two hundred dollars, in August the same year the board bought the hose, cart, ladder, bucket and this fire . . . — — Map (db m174298) HM
To the Glory of God and in the Memory of the Soldiers and Sailors and citizens of Coulterville and vicinity, who had a part in the wars of our Country " that Liberty Shall not Perish from the face of earth-" Blessed are the peacemakers for they . . . — — Map (db m174299) WM
Site of Old Kaskaskia
First State Capital of Illinois
Dedicated to Joseph B. Cassou, 1890-1965.
Descendant of "Cassou the Trader", who traveled
Up and down the Mississippi in the 1700's. — — Map (db m196821) HM
Dedicated to the men and women of the armed
forces who served their country in all wars
and to those who gave their lives in the
defense of freedom.
Bicentennial Year
MAY 30, 1976 — — Map (db m237547) WM
For more than 80 years, this shelter stood sentinel over the confluence of the Kaskaskia and Mississippi Rivers one of the most beautiful views in North America. Over the decades, thousands of visitors, families and friends enjoyed the shelter for . . . — — Map (db m163785) HM
The bodies of early Illinois settlers are buried in this cemetery. They were moved here from three cemeteries in Kaskaskia village. When floods began to destroy the village in the late eighteen hundreds, concerned residents acted to transfer the . . . — — Map (db m163786) HM
From 1703 until it was 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 two miles southwest of here. Fort Kaskaskia . . . — — Map (db m161321) HM
In the flood of April 1881, the Mississippi divided its channel and broke into the lower Kaskaskia River below this bluff, forming Kaskaskia Island. The historic town of Kaskaskia lay directly in its path, and was eventually destroyed.
Thus the . . . — — Map (db m163788) HM
Kaskaskia Village was formed in 1703 by Kaskaskia Indians, attended by a French priest and fur traders. It grew to be the center of French life in the Illinois Country.
Occupied by British, 1765. Captured for Virginia by George Rogers Clark, . . . — — Map (db m163787) HM
On November 28, 1803, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark arrived in Kaskaskia with about twenty-four men. Here they recruited twelve more soldiers from the local fort, including Patrick Gass, and John Ordway. They obtained a second pirogue and hired . . . — — Map (db m161438) HM
In 1803, President Thomas Jefferson sent Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to lead a "Corps of Discovery" up the Missouri River in search of a water route to the Pacific. They arrived at Kaskaskia on November 29, looking for new recruits. . . . — — Map (db m163783) HM
These mounds are the timeworn remains of a fort designed to protect the village of Kaskaskia. The town, founded in 1703, was the southern anchor of France's colony in the Illinois Country. During the 1730s, French officials planned to replace the . . . — — Map (db m163784) HM
The American Bottom is that sixty mile long strip of lowland lying between the bluffs and the east bank of the Mississippi River. Its earliest recorded history is written in the annals of France, England, and Spain. In the wars, these nations fought . . . — — Map (db m161859) HM
This region lowered the French Bourbon flag in October 1765 when the territory fell under British control. A British military report commissioned a few years later states that the French redoubt here called Fort Kaskaskia had been burned and . . . — — Map (db m302431) HM
National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century Illinois State Society 23 March 1996, In commemoration of 1675 Mission of the Immaculate Conception Kaskaskia Island Illinois — — Map (db m208074) HM
George Rogers Clark's capture of Kaskaskia in July, 1778, doomed British control of the Illinois country. The occupation of Kaskaskia was the first step in Clark's plan to capture the western headquarters of the British at Detroit. Under . . . — — Map (db m143482) HM
On Apr. 30, 1825, Lafayette arrived at Gen. Edgar's home, dined at Col. Sweet's Tavern & attended a Ball at William Morrison's house. — — Map (db m223511) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m283752) HM
Meriwether Lewis and William Clark arrived in Kaskaskia with twenty-four men on November 29, 1803. Here they acquired the expedition's third boat, a pirogue. After recruiting twelve more soldiers, the Captains hired expert boatman and interpreter . . . — — Map (db m143581) HM
This bell, given by King Louis XV of France to the Catholic Church of the Illinois Country in 1741, has been in Kaskaskia for centuries. The people of Kaskaskia rang it in celebration after George Rogers Clark occupied the town on July 4, 1778, . . . — — Map (db m143580) HM
George Fisher, early Illinois physician, served as sheriff of Randolph County, member of the first House of Representatives of Indiana Territory, Speaker of the House in the first and third Illinois Territorial Assemblies, (1812-1814, 1816-1818), . . . — — Map (db m161312) HM
From the 1940's to the Present-Day: The Kaskaskia River Project
Several Floods in the 1940's and lack of rural economic development in the
region prompted many communities and regional leaders to organize to solicit
the state and . . . — — Map (db m257393) HM
European Settlement
European settlement in the region began with French explorers and Jesuit priests that paddled into the area from the north. They established the villages/missionaries of Cahokia in 1699 and Kaskaskia in 1703 to . . . — — Map (db m257327) HM
Mississippi River Flooding and the Demise of Old Kaskaskia
Kaskaskia Village was the Randolph County seat of government from 1795 until 1844 when a massive flood extensively damaged the village, and the county seat was moved to Chester. . . . — — Map (db m257360) HM
1703 - The Illini tribes establish a village on the Kaskaskia River seven miles north of its confluence with the Mississippi. The Jesuits and other French people in the area settle in with the natives. The historic French colonial village of . . . — — Map (db m192533) HM
To perpetuate and rededicate our democratic principles - to remind mankind of the importance under which we govern ourselves - we here commit unto all the people of the Village of Percy, Il - this display of flags before you - may the ever wave in . . . — — Map (db m182828) HM WM
In 1722, as part of the old French colony that developed in the Mississippi Valley, a tract of land donated
by the Royal Indies Company was settled as Prairie du Rocher. The motivation for this settlement was
agriculture, mining, and a home for . . . — — Map (db m206205) HM
The Common field system was a practice that French Settlers brought with them that still has a lasting effect today. It was an agricultural system that consisted of farmland and pasture for animals that was communally owned by the village. . . . — — Map (db m206196) HM
The end of the Seven Years' War, better known to the colonists as the French and Indian War, came not by skirmish but by the Treaty of Paris signed February 1763. Through this all of France's possessions East of the Mississippi were ceded to . . . — — Map (db m206192) HM WM
"The British are coming had a much different meaning to the villagers of Prairie du Rocher. The British took control of Fort de Chartres renaming it Fort Cavendish on Oct. 10, 1765. The majority of the residents of the villages of Chartres,
St. . . . — — Map (db m206109) HM
George Rogers Clark, under secret orders from Patrick Henry, the governor of Virginia, was sent to take the Illinois villages. This would give more protection to the eastern colonies from British attack. For the record, the Prairie du Rocher . . . — — Map (db m206167) HM WM
The formation of Randolph County in 1795 proceeded Illinois' statehood by 25 years. By act of the state legislature in 1821, the settlement of Prairie du Rocher became an official village within the state of Illinois. Trustees were appointed for . . . — — Map (db m206162) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m206123) HM
In Chicago Mr. Uranus H. Crosby built an elaborate opera house, and ran out of money. He raffled off the property, and Abraham Lee of Prairie du Rocher was the winner. It took weeks for Mr. Lee to hear of his winnings and then another month to . . . — — Map (db m206112) HM
It was a hot July fourth night in Prairie de Rocher, Mrs. Cris and her neighbor were sitting on the front porch around midnight when the two spotted an entourage coming from the old fort. It was apparently a funeral procession and though wagons . . . — — Map (db m206107) HM
In 1902, Iron Mountain Railroad laid a single track through Prairie du Rocher which provided passenger service to St. Louis daily. Far from backwards, Prairie du Rocher was as modern and up-to-date as other larger communities, and the passenger . . . — — Map (db m206106) HM
As the State of Illinois' second state park, Fort de Chartres, restoration began with the gun powder magazine in 1917. The state had
taken ownership of the grounds in 1913. Further restorative efforts followed through the 1920's by uncovering . . . — — Map (db m206031) HM
The Modoc Rock Shelter site was discovered in 1951 by archaeologist Irvin Peithmann. As a result of road grading, Peithmann
observed artifacts on the surface under or near the bluff at the site on Bluff Road. This spurred major excavations in . . . — — Map (db m206022) HM
The year was one of devastating floods all over the Midwest. Prairie du Rocher's fight to save their precious town came to precipice when a local construction company blew out a section of the river levee, thus saving the town. The homes located . . . — — Map (db m206012) HM
A strong suit of the village continues to be the respect and reverence to their traditions, both young and old. From the King's Ball, better known as Twelfth Night Ball, held every year on the first Saturday of January, to the Party in the Park . . . — — Map (db m206010) HM
Built by Charles Hauck, a well-known horse, mule, and cattle dealer, this home was built in the 1890's, with three barns added to the property in 1899. Mr. Hauck came to Prairie du Rocher to follow his new trade of butchering and opened a . . . — — Map (db m229446) HM
This business was established in 1839 by Antonine Blaise and was moved to its current building in 1872 due to flooding in the older parts of town. The store initially used a lot of bartering instead of using currency. It was taken over by W. H. . . . — — Map (db m216396) HM
Fort de Chartres, seat of civil and military government in the Illinois country for half a century, was first completed in 1720. In 1753-56 it was rebuilt of stone at a cost of 200,000 livres and became one of the strongest forts in . . . — — Map (db m163687) HM
This drawing shows Fort de Chartres as it looked during the last years it was controlled by France. The 15-foot walls enclosed an open parade ground and a number of buildings, including barracks for the troops, housing for the officers, a chapel, a . . . — — Map (db m163685) HM
The Seed to Loaf project explores and celebrates the important French Colonial wheat history of the region and creates discussion and educational opportunities for area residents, tourist visiting the many historic and scenic sites, and students . . . — — Map (db m188109) HM
In dedication honor and memory of those from our community who so valiantly served our country.
They gave their today for our tomorrow.
World War I
Andrew Horrell
John W. LaRose
Joseph Park
Vietnam War
Howard E. . . . — — Map (db m170529) WM
This store was built in 1902 by CJ Kribs. Mr. Kribs was a harness maker by trade, but this building was a convenient store that sold just about everything. When the highway was to be built through Prairie du Rocher, it is said that Mr. Kribs, who . . . — — Map (db m226480) HM
Abraham Lee, after winning the Opera House lottery, built the mansion on these grounds. A. H. Lee died two years after the completion of this magnificent home. Lee's business partner, F. W. Brickey, bought the home and since that time it has been . . . — — Map (db m206015) HM
On December 4, 1803, William Clark and several recruits passed by this place on their expedition west. In his journal, Clark noted the stone ruins of Fort De Chartres. The party continued on to pick up supplies and then meet Meriwether Lewis in . . . — — Map (db m161441) HM
As early as 8000 B.C. prehistoric Indians were camping in the shelter of this great sandstone bluff. These nomadic people, who lived by hunting animals and gathering plants for food and fibers, came here regularly for more than 6000 years. Later . . . — — Map (db m161319) HM
Modoc Rock Shelter is best known for campsites of the Archaic Period, ranging in age from 8,900 to 4,000 years ago.
During the early part of the Archaic Period, Native Americans camped here for short periods. They hunted deer, trapped . . . — — Map (db m163695) HM
This sandstone bluff provided shelter for Native American groups beginning shortly after the Ice Age, then continuing for almost 8000 years. Periodic floods from the Mississippi River and nearby Barbeau Creek buried the abandoned camps, creating . . . — — Map (db m163697) HM
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 . . . — — Map (db m283757) HM
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