Kaskaskia

Kaskaskia is a ghost town located in Randolph County, Illinois, United States. It was once the capital of Illinois and a significant settlement in early American history. The original town was situated on the Kaskaskia River, near its confluence with the Mississippi River.

The Kaskaskia village was established by French fur traders in 1703, making it one of the oldest European settlements in the Mississippi Valley. It grew into a thriving center for trade and administration. In 1818, when Illinois became a state, Kaskaskia was designated as its first capital. However, its strategic location on the Mississippi also proved to be its downfall. The town was prone to severe flooding, and the Mississippi River's course began to change over time.

In 1881, the Mississippi River shifted its channel, cutting off the Kaskaskia River and leaving the town on the opposite bank. This event effectively destroyed the original townsite, submerging most of it. The remaining inhabitants moved to higher ground, establishing a new settlement that eventually became known as New Kaskaskia.

Today, the original Kaskaskia is largely submerged or eroded away. A small remaining portion of the original townsite is marked by historical markers and a cemetery, including the grave of George Rogers Clark, a Revolutionary War hero. The Kaskaskia Bell, a significant historical artifact, is preserved in a shrine nearby. The area serves as a reminder of the region's rich and dynamic history.