Kaskaskia Bell

Kaskaskia Island was founded in 1703. It is the only community in Illinois west of the Mississippi River. The Kaskaskia Bell is also known as the 'Liberty Bell of the West'. It was a gift to the Catholic church of Kaskaskia from France in 1741. It is 11 years older than the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia.

Open daily from 8 to 5. From Chester take the Chester bridge west on Missouri Hywy 51 to Highway H, north to St. Mary's, Mo., follow signs to Kaskaskia Island and the shrine.

Plaque next to the shrine.


Picture of the Kaskaskia church