History of Kaskaskia, Illinois, USA

In 1703, French Jesuit missionaries established a mission in Kaskaskia with the goal of converting the Illini Native Americans to Catholicism.

wikipedia.org

From the years of early French settlement, Kaskaskia was a multicultural village, consisting of a few French men and numerous Illinois and other American Indians.
In 1707, the population of the community was estimated at 2,200, the majority Illinois who lived somewhat apart from the Europeans. Writing of Kaskaskia about 1715, a visitor said that the village consisted of 400 Illinois men, " good people;" two Jesuit missionaries, and "about twenty French voyageurs who have settled there and married Indian women. Of 21 children whose birth and baptism was recorded in Kaskaskia before 1714, 18 had mothers who were Indian and 20 had fathers who were French.
wikipedia.org

1714 - First stone church built in Kaskaskia

wikipedia.org

Kaskaskia became the capital of Upper Louisiana and the French built Fort de Chartres in 1718.
In the same year they imported the first enslaved Africans, shipped from Santo Domingo in the Caribbean, to work as laborers in the lead mines being developed in Missouri.
wikipedia.org

In 1733, the French built Fort Kaskaskia

wikipedia.org

Fort Kaskaskia destroyed by the British in 1763 during the French and Indian War

wikipedia.org

1778 - July 4 - George Rogers Clark captured Kaskaskia, a French village near Detroit

www.socialstudiesforkids.com/articles/ushistory/revolutionarywartimeline.htm

February 3, 1809 - Kaskaskia named the capital of Illinois Territory

wikipedia.org

1818 - Kaskaskia named capital of the State of Illinois

wikipedia.org

1819 - Illinois capital moved from Kaskaskia to Vandalia

wikipedia.org

1854 - Kaskaskia
Kaskaskia, a handsome post-village of Randolph county, Illinois, is finely situated on the right or W. bank of the Kaskaskia river, about 2 miles E. from the Mississippi river, and 142 miles S. from Springfield. It has the distinction of being the oldest town in Illinois, or perhaps in the whole Western States, having been settled by the French about the year 1073. It was the first capital of the territory, and retained that rank until 1818. The Kaskaskia river is a fine navigable stream. The village contains a United States land-office and a Catholic chapel.

A New and Complete Gazetteer of the United States: Giving a Full and Comprehensive Review of the Present Condition, Industry, and Resources of the American Confederacy ... Thomas Baldwin (of Philadelphia.) Joseph Thomas January 1, 1854 Philadelphia : Lippincott, Grambo & Company 1854.

Most of the town of Kaskaskia was destroyed in April 1881 by flooding, as the Mississippi River shifted eastward to a new channel.
The river now passes east rather than west of the town.
wikipedia.org

1895 - Kaskaskia
Kaskaskia, a post-village of Randolph co., III., on the W. bank of the Kaskaskia River, about 1 mile E. of the Mississippi River, and 40 miles S. of Belleville. It was settled by the French about 1673, and was the first capital of Illinois Territory. It has a church and a graded school.
Lippincott's Gazetteer of the World: A Complete Pronouncing Gazetteer Or Geographical Dictionary of the World Containing Notices of Over One Hundred and Twenty-five Thousand Places ... Joseph Thomas January 1, 1895 J.B. Lippincott

Here's a list of places to go and things to do in Kaskaskia:
Kaskaskia Bell State Historic Site:

Start your visit with a trip to the Kaskaskia Bell State Historic Site, home to the famous Liberty Bell of the West. The bell was given to the settlers by King Louis XV of France in 1741, and it's a symbol of the town's rich history.

Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site:

Explore the ruins of Fort Kaskaskia, which played a significant role in the early history of Illinois. The fort dates back to the late 18th century and offers stunning views of the Mississippi River from its vantage point.

Kaskaskia Island Park:

Take a leisurely stroll or have a picnic in Kaskaskia Island Park. It's a serene place with riverfront views and a peaceful atmosphere.

Kaskaskia Church:

Visit the Church of the Immaculate Conception, one of the oldest Catholic churches in Illinois. Its architecture is a blend of French and American styles, making it a fascinating historical site.

Kaskaskia River State Fish & Wildlife Area:

If you're into outdoor... Read MORE...