Kaskaskia Bell State Memorial: The “Liberty Bell of the West”
The Kaskaskia Bell State Memorial in southwest Illinois is a fascinating historical site that provides a view into our Nation’s early colonial past. Known as the “Liberty Bell of the West,” this small yet significant landmark holds a unique place in both Illinois and U.S. history.
Kaskaskia Bell State Memorial: A Bell with a Storied Past
The Kaskaskia Bell, cast in 1741 in France, was originally a gift from King Louis XV to the Catholic church in Kaskaskia, which was a thriving French settlement at the time. When the American Revolution reached the Illinois Territory in 1778, George Rogers Clark and his troops captured Kaskaskia without firing a shot. To celebrate their newfound freedom from British rule, the townspeople rang the bell loudly—thus earning it the nickname “The Liberty Bell of the West.”
We pulled up the memorial on a sunny day in the middle of winter. Both my wife and I were utterly unfamiliar with the site. We were driving by after a visit to Ste. Geneviève National Historical Park on a road trip across the country, so we decided to check it out. I am certainly happy we did!
We pulled up and parked directly in front of the beautiful limestone that protects the bell from the elements. We were the only car there. Getting out, we walked up to the building. There is a green button. It opens the door when pressed. From there, you get a great view of the bell. A white button also plays an audio recording about the bell’s history.
Lewis and Clark in Kaskaskia
Meriwether Lewis and William Clark visited Kaskaskia on November 29, 1803. Here, they purchased the expedition’s third boat. After recruiting twelve more soldiers, the Captains hired expert boatman and interpreter Francois Labiche. Half French, half Omaha, Labiche became an enlisted and valuable member of the Corps. They also hired some local Frenchmen to man their boats.
Visiting Kaskaskia Island
Kaskaskia Island, where the state memorial is located, is the only part of Illinois west of the Mississippi River. Due to a significant shift in the river’s course in the late 19th century, the island separated from the rest of the state. It’s the only part of Illinois west of the Mississippi. The only way to reach it is by crossing the river from Missouri via a bridge near St. Mary, making it a unique destination for those who love geographic oddities.
Despite its historical importance, Kaskaskia is a quiet, sparsely populated place today. That was not always the case. More than 7,000 people once lived here, and it was actually the first capital of Illinois; the town was abandoned mainly due to devastating Mississippi River floods.
Plan Your Visit to the Kaskaskia Bell
The Kaskaskia Bell State Memorial is open year-round from sunrise to sunset, and admission is free. Given the island’s isolated nature, you may want to check road conditions before heading out, especially after heavy rains or flooding.
Things to Do Nearby
Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site is located in Illinois, just across the river. It offers sweeping views of the Mississippi and the remains of a once-strategic French fort.
The Pierre Menard Home is a well-preserved 19th-century mansion belonging to Illinois’ first lieutenant governor and showcases early French-American architecture.
Ste. Genevieve National Historical Park in Missouri is a short drive away.
