Historic Sites

Bond County Courthouse (Greenville)
The 19th-century courthouse has a great view of the town's hundreds of crab apple, red bud, and cherry trees in season.
200 W College Avenue | Greenville, IL
618-664-3262

Cahokia Courthouse State Historic Site (Cahokia)
This authentic remnant of pioneer French architecture was constructed in 1730. The building served as the center for political activity for over 100 years.
First & Elm Street | Cahokia, IL
618-332-1782

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site and Interpretive Center (Collinsville)
This is the largest prehistoric Indian city north of Mexico. Climb Monk's Mound, see the film and lifesize village. Don't miss annual events that focus on Native American culture.
visit website
30 Ramey Drive | Collinsville, IL 62234
618-346-5160

Charter Oak "8-Sided" School
This building is a study in physics as well as history as it was designed to withstand strong winds and capture light throughout the day.
Cty Hwy 4 between Walsh and Shuline, Randolph County | IL
618-826-2667

Church of the Holy Family (Cahokia)
The oldest church west of the Alleghenies was built in the French vertical-log style.
116 Church Street | Cahokia, IL 618-337-4548

Cohen House (Chester)
This beautifully restored mid-1800's home has cobalt blue windows that were described in a book by author Mark Twain. Tours by appointment and open for special events.
Buena Vista | Chester, IL
618-826-3913

Espenschied Chapel (Mascoutah)
Built in 1928, the chapel has recently been renovated. It is now open for services and special events.
Mascoutah, IL
618-566-2780

Fort de Chartres (Prairie du Rocher)
The 1790s fort is being rebuilt atop the original stone foundations. The chapel, priest's room, commander's office, and ammunition storage room have been restored. Every year, the Winter and Summer Rendezvous draw thousands of visitors.
1260 State Route 155 | Prairie du Rocher, IL
618-284-7230

Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site (Ellis Grove)
A scenic overlook offers views of the Mississippi and Kaskaskia Rivers, and of Old Kaskaskia.
Rural Route 1 | Ellis Grove, IL
618-859-3741

Jarrot Mansion (Cahokia)
The subject of intensive historical interest, this is the oldest brick house in the state of Illinois. It was built in 1810, by Nicholas Jarrot, a native Frenchman and landowner.
124 East First Street | Cahokia, IL
618-332-1782

Kaskaskia Bell Shrine and the Liberty Bell of the West
The bell was rung as the island was captured from the British during the Revolutionary War by Col. George Rogers Clark and his "Long Knives."
Kaskaskia Island | IL
618-859-3741

Lincoln Historic Plaque (Greenville)
Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas both spoke here during their historic U.S. Senate race in 1858. The site, once a grove of trees, is marked with a stone plaque.
415 S. 5th St. | Greenville, IL

Maeystown (Maeystown)
The entire 158 year old German settlement is on the National Register of Historic Places. Restoration includes a church from 1867 and the one- lane stone arched bridge. The Corner George Inn, general store,coffee house, restaurant, sweet shoppe, museum and visitor's center are open on weekends.
Corner George Inn | Maeystown, IL
618-458-6660

National Road Interpretive Center (Vandalia)
This center will share the history of travel and transportation in the early days of our country and how it helped to open the West. Center is open Wednesday through Saturday from 10:00am to 2:00pm.
106 S. Fifth St. | Vandalia, IL
618-283-2728

Old State Capitol (Vandalia)
The oldest Illinois State Capitol is built in the Federal-style. At the top of the staircase are the Senate and House of Representatives chambers where Abraham Lincoln began his political career.
315 W Gallatin St. | Vandalia, IL
618-283-1161

Old State Cemetery (Vandalia)
South end of Third Street | Vandalia, IL 62471
618-283-2728

Pierre Menard Home State Historic Site (Ellis Grove)
Early 1800's home of Illinois' first Lt. Governor when Kaskaskia was the first State Capital.
R.R.#1 Box 58 | Ellis Grove, IL
618-859-3031

St. Peter's Cathedral (Belleville)
This Renaissance Gothic architectural masterpiece has a 222 ft. tall bell tower. Tours available.
200 West Harrison Street | Belleville, IL
800-677-9255