Kaskaskia–Cahokia Trail

The Kaskaskia–Cahokia Trail was the first road (used for walking and stagecoaches) in Illinois, running from Kaskaskia to Cahokia.

1778 map by Thomas Hutchins of the French settlements in the Illinois Country showing the "Road from Kaskaskias to Cahokia" highlighted in yellow

History

Native Americans

The Confederated Peorias originated in the land surrounding the Great Lakes and drained by the Mississippi River. Those peoples are the Illinois or the Ilini Indians, descendants of the people who created the large mound societies in the Great Plains two to three thousand years ago. The Kaskaskia–Cahokia Trail had a role in the lives of some Ilini Indians. [1]

Settlers

When the French created permanent settlements at Kaskaskia and Cahokia, they named these townships after the Illini Indians who lived there before.

Other villages, towns, and settlements grew over the next century dotting the east half of the Mississippi River's floodplain. This first road caused other roads that eventually led to Illinois becoming the 21st state in 1818, with Kaskaskia holding the title of the first state capital. [2]

Points of interest

There are many interesting attractions along the Kaskaskia–Cahokia Trail[3] which are within three Southern Illinois counties:

  • Pierre Menard Home
  • Mississippi River Ferry
  • Modoc Rock Shelter
  • Creole House
  • Village Hall
  • St. Joseph Church
  • Fort de Chartres
  • St. Joseph Church
  • Historic District</il>
  • Peterstown House
  • Waterloo Historic District
  • Bellefontain House & Spring
  • Moore Cemetery
  • KCT Remnant with Stone Arch Bridge

References
  1. "From the Peoria Tribe of Oklahoma". Kaskaskia Cahokia Trail.
  2. "Illinois' First Road". ILLINOISouth Tourisim.
  3. 1

1.http://www.kctrailillinois.org/waterloo.html

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