Now located along the Great River Road in Alton, Illinois, the Piasa Bird serves as an important and fascinating piece of local Native American history. Though there has been much debate about the origins of this mythic creature, the lore surrounding it has become an integral part of Alton's culture that has seen many forms throughout the years.
One of two memorials to the victims of the Wood River Massacre, placed in 1980, can be found at this stop in Gordon F. Moore Park in Alton, Illinois. The other memorial marker, erected in 1910 by the descendants of one of the victims, can be found near the Hilltop Auction and Banquet House at 2612 Fosterburg Road.
The Bunker Hill Indian Trail historical marker lies at the entrance of Mae Meissner Whitaker Park on Bunker Hill Road/Illinois Route 159. This historical marker provides a brief description of the history of the Indigenous people who inhabited the region of Bunker Hill and the 18-mile trail through the prairie used by migrating Native Americans.
Travel along Route 159 in Edwardsville, IL to get as close to the historical Fort Russell as possible; this stop is unique in that the exact historical location of this site is unknown, and the historic marker is currently missing. Fort Russell was one of at least 94 blockhouse-forts spread across the southern part of the Illinois Territory (Illinois, Wisconsin, and parts of Minnesota and Michigan). Of these 94 blockhouses, an estimated 22 buildings lie between Old Kaskaskia and Alton.
While this stop will not take you to the actual dig site where the archaeology department holds its field school, this location will allow you to travel to SIUE's campus and view some of the artifacts on display. Located in the basement of Peck Hall, the display shows some of the findings from the Gehring Site alongside several other world cultures.
Featuring the largest prehistoric manmade mound in North America, Cahokia Mounds Historic Site in Collinsville, IL enriches the area with Native History and stunning views of local landscapes. As a National and World recognized site, this historic landmark provides visitors with ample opportunity to learn about Native culture and lasting influences in Southern Illinois.
Also located at the Cahokia Mounds Historic Site, the River L’Abbe Mission holds its own important history due to the European influence of this institution. Once located near the base of Monks Mound, French missionaries established a chapel in 1735 in order to "serve" the Native people in the area.
Though it might seem strange that this stop takes you to a parking garage in downtown St. Louis, MO, the history of this area proves vital to Native culture; it is believed that Chief Pontiac is buried beneath the current structure. A memorial plaque detailing his history is found on the outside of the garage at the intersection of North Broadway and Walnut Street, on the left when traveling south on North Broadway.
This Tour is a Driving or Biking Tour.
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Travel through southern Illinois and into St. Louis Missouri to learn about the local Native history that continues to influence the area to this day. This driving tour is funded in part by a grant from Illinois Humanities, with funds from the National Endowment for the Humanities and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.
