8 Old-World Towns to Visit in Illinois

Illinois is known primarily for two features: the massive city of Chicago and largely flat rural areas. However, there's far more to discover in this Midwestern state. The old world made a big impact in this state, as you can find many towns that were founded by French settlers long before the British or Americans came into the area. Within these old world towns, you can find French forts, an early American women's college, an ancient Native American city built atop mounds, and much more. Check out these eight old world towns in illinois you must visit today.

Kaskaskia

Initially inhabited by the Kaskaskia people, the town of Kaskaskia was settled by the French in 1703 and became part of New France. It would later serve as the capital of the Illinois Territory in 1809. However, the French presence in Kaskaskia is still visible at the Fort Kaskaskia State Historic Site. Here you can find the earthen remains of the 1759 fort, along with the Garrison Hill Cemetery and an overlook of the Mississippi River.

You can also find the Kaskakia Bell State Memorial, which was given as a gift by King Louis XV of France to the Catholic Church of Illinois County. When residents rung the bell on July 4, 1778 to celebrate their liberation from the British, it became known as the Liberty Bell of the West. In nearby Ellis Grove, there is the Pierre Menard Home State Historic Site, which was the home of the first Lieutenant Governor of Illinois from 1818 to 1822.

Edwardsville

Edwardsville was first settled by Thomas Kirkpatrick in 1805 and was then incorporated in 1818, making it the third oldest founded town in the state of Illinois. Today this town is a bustling place to visit, offering nice cafes, historic places, and unique roadside attractions. For example, Edwardsville contains the World's Largest Geriatric Walker, a 25-foot tall structure located at the Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville.

When it comes to historic sites, you'll want to visit the Madison County Historical Museum inside the 1836 Dr. John Weir House, a 2 and a half story Federal Style brick house with a gable roof and three dormers on both sides. Also in town is the 1819 Pogue Store, the first brick building in the city and the Wildey Theater, first built in 1909 as an opera house and later transforming into a theater that played both silent films and a "talking" film in 1927.

Godfrey

This western Illinois town was named after Captain Benjamin Godfrey who first settled in the area in 1832. Located a short drive from St. Louis, Missouri this small town is a great place to go exploring. For one, you can see the home of the original founder at the Captain Benjamin Godfrey Mansion which started as a small house and grew into a 14 room mansion.

The town was an epicenter for promoting women's education in early America, which is reflected at the historic Monticello Female Seminary, established in 1838. Another great spot is the Rocky Fork Church, established in 1816, which played a major role as a safe spot for escaped slaves from the South. Vistors will also enjoy the Nature Institute, which promotes conservation and the Great Rivers Park, which has picturesque bluffs by the Mississippi River.

Prairie du Rocher

As one can guess from the name, Prairie du Rocher has French roots. Although the French sparsely settled in much of New France, this spot became a major epicenter for French trade when it was established in 1722 by St. Therese Langlois. Within Prairie du Rocher, vistors can find a few examples of French colonial architecture such as the 1735 Melliere House and the Creole House in 1800. The Creole House in particular was built with a palisade of logs atop a stone foundation and is one of the last such structures standing in the US.

Also closeby to town is the historic French fortification Fort de Chartres, built in 1720. Within the fort is a restored powder magazine, a Guards House, an old Catholic chapel, a baker oven, garden shed and other intriguing sites. The site also includes a museum and a trading post selling souvenirs and snacks.For those who love French colonial history and style, Prairie du Rocher is a must visit.

Golconda

Located within the scenic Shawnee National Forest, Golconda has history baked into its DNA. It was first settled in 1798 and earned its name from the Golconda Fort in India. It has a large historic district which contains buildings such as the 1840 Alexander Buel House, a two story square log building that also has a restored log cabin closeby. Also in Golconda is the red brick 1819 First Presbyterian Church, the oldest Presbyterian Church in all of Illinois.

You can enjoy a meal at the historic Ben Schnierle Building, which since its construction in 1863 has been used as a general store and saloon. Today it's home to the restaurant Diver Down. Visit other pictureque locations within the Shawnee National Forest, such as Ceder Lake, Dutchman Lake, and the Garden of the Gods.

Cahokia Heights

Cahokia Heights has one of the longest histories of any town in Illinois. The French set up a mission in the site in 1689, although it would pass under British and then American rule later in its history. Its greatest historical treasure is the Cahokia Mounds World Heritage & State Historic Site. At this site, Native Americans set up a city on naturally built mounds that lasted from 1100 to circa 1400 and had a population that surpassed many cities in the Old World.

At the center, vistors can learn about how they lived, ascend Monks Mound, or see the reconstructed Woodhenge. Visit several other colonial style buildings such as the Church of the Holy Family, the oldest Catholic parish in the United States, the 1740 Cahokia Courthouse, and the 1810 Jarrot Mansion.

Carmi

Located near the border with Indiana, Carmi was founded in 1816 and in its history has seen many famous Americans pass through its borders. When Abraham Lincoln was young, he would stay at the historic 1828 Ratcliff Inn in 1840 where he gave a speech for the now defunct Whig Party. You can also visit the 1896 L. Haas Store, which is maintained as a museum today.

The oldest house in Carmi is the 1814 Robinson-Stewart House, which has seen many uses as a log cabin, a courthouse, and the home of US Senator James Robinson. Mansion lovers will absolutely want to visit the crown jewel of Carmi, the Castle. This 1896 mansion reflects Richardsonian Romanesque and Victorian styles with three towers giving it a castle-like appearance.

Alton

Much like Cahokia Heights, Alton has a history of French settlement. Initially used as a fur trading post, Jean Baptiste Cardinal would settle the area in 1783. It quickly became a bustling Mississippi River town and today there are several quirky spots to explore. For example, there's a statue of the tallest man in history the 8-foot 11.1 inch Robert Wadlow.

Vistiros can explore a 19th century prison that was using during the Civil War at the Alton Military Prison or see the 1909 Chapter House of the Alton's American Woman's League of Suffragettes. Alton played a crucial role in the Civil War, which vistors can learn about on the Lincoln & Civil War Legacy Trail such as the square where Abraham Lincoln debated Stephen Douglass, a monument to abolitionist Elijah P. Lovejoy or the home of Lyman Trumbull who wrote the 13th Amendment.

Conclusion

These old world towns in Illinois are perfect to visit for those looking to explore historic places. Whether you are interested in seeing a French fort or following in the footsteps of Abraham Lincoln or learning or seeing Suffragette locales, you'll have something to find here. For lovers of architecture, you'll discover everything from colonial French buildings to old-world style castles and more. Visitors will feel they are stepping back in time by visiting these small towns.