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Kaskaskia Bell State Memorial: Liberty Bell of the West

Home to the 'Liberty Bell of the West,' gifted by King Louis XV, celebrating Kaskaskia's revolutionary history since 1778.

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The Kaskaskia Bell State Memorial in Chester, Illinois, houses the historic Kaskaskia Bell, also known as the 'Liberty Bell of the West'. Gifted by King Louis XV of France in 1741, the bell famously rang in celebration of the town's liberation from the British in 1778.

A brief summary to Kaskaskia Bell State Memorial

Local tips

  • The site is open from sunrise to sunset daily, offering self-guided tours.
  • Accessibility is provided via a wheelchair ramp, with parking available on First Street.
  • Press the green button to view the bell and the white doorbell button for an audio recording about its history.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Chester, head south on 1st Street in Kaskaskia. The Kaskaskia Bell State Memorial will be on your left at 302 1st St. There is no designated parking lot, but you can pull off to the side of 1st Street. Parking closer to the church provides a more level area for disabled visitors.

  • Walking

    From anywhere in the village of Kaskaskia, the memorial is easily accessible on foot. It's located on 1st Street, the main thoroughfare in the village. The memorial is a short walk from the Immaculate Conception Parish.

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Discover more about Kaskaskia Bell State Memorial

The Kaskaskia Bell State Memorial is a monument in Kaskaskia, Illinois, that safeguards a significant piece of the state's early history: the Kaskaskia Bell. This bell, often called the 'Liberty Bell of the West,' was cast in 1741 in La Rochelle, France, and was a gift from King Louis XV to the Catholic Church of New France. The 140-pound bronze bell holds a special place in the hearts of locals and history enthusiasts alike. Originally placed at the Immaculate Conception Parish in Kaskaskia, the bell's most memorable moment occurred on July 4, 1778, when it was rung to celebrate the capture of Kaskaskia from the British by Colonel George Rogers Clark during the Revolutionary War. This pivotal event led to the bell being known as the 'Liberty Bell of the West'. The memorial itself is a brick building constructed in 1948 to protect the bell. Inside, visitors can view murals depicting scenes from Kaskaskia's rich history. While visitors can no longer ring the bell due to a crack sustained from floods, the memorial continues to host annual Independence Day ceremonies. The Kaskaskia Bell State Memorial offers a unique glimpse into Illinois' past, connecting visitors to the stories and events that shaped the region.

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