Views of Kaskaskia
Past and Present

This is Kaskaskia Island as seen from Kaskaskia State Park, on the Illinois side of the Mississippi River, looking west.


This photo above, of the same area as below, was taken on a 'clear' day, and when the Mississippi River was 'low'. A sandbar is shown in center. The white 'bar' like spot on the right, just at the Kaskaskia River opening, is a barge going upriver.
Above picture taken by Liz.

This view is to the RIGHT of the top picture, at flood stage.
On the RIGHT side you can see where the Kaskaskia River flows into the Mississippi, the small ^ area.


This view is to the LEFT of the top picture.
The 3 little white dots, just to the left of center, are roof tops of barns, that are a short distance north of the original location of Kaskaskia village.

DIRECTION TO GET THERE:
From Illinois, cross the Chester bridge off Rt. 3. The highway becomes # 51 in Missouri. Continue south until you see signs of Highway H (abt 3 mile).
Go right on 'H' (a narrow winding oil road, WATCH for farm equipment!), until you come to a 'T' intersection, just outside St. Marys.
Turn RIGHT and enter St. Marys. About 2-3 blocks after making sharp left curve, a sign is on your RIGHT for the bridge leading to the island.
This is a narrow, one lane bridge and I've been told that as long as it makes racket, it is safe to cross!
Continue on this road abt. 1 mile. At 'T' intersection, turn left. This road leads back to the village and church, abt. 5 mile.

From Missouri, exit I-55 at Perryville, continue straight through town, you are on Rt.51.
Its approximately 18 miles to the Highway H sign, a short ways after you go through McBride.
Turn left at sign, follow as above.

Bridge at St. Marys.



The first 'old' house you will see.


This home is believed to be from the original village, having survived all the floods.

There are several modern homes on the island at present, and the land was lush and green with crops.


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