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Modoc Rock Shelter: A Glimpse into Ancient America

Explore thousands of years of Native American history at the Modoc Rock Shelter, a National Historic Landmark in Prairie du Rocher, Illinois.

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The Modoc Rock Shelter, a National Historic Landmark near Prairie du Rocher, Illinois, offers a unique window into the lives of Native Americans who inhabited the area for nearly 8,000 years. This sandstone bluff provided shelter from the elements, and the layers of sediment within it hold a rich archaeological record of human activity.

A brief summary to Modoc Rock Shelter National Historic Site

  • Prairie Du Rocher, Illinois, 62277, US

Local tips

  • The site is most easily spotted when traveling from Prairie du Rocher towards Modoc on Bluff Road.
  • Remember that it is against the law to collect artifacts or excavate at the site.
  • Combine your visit with a trip to nearby Fort de Chartres State Historic Site to explore more of the region's rich history.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The Modoc Rock Shelter is located on Bluff Road, approximately 2 miles southeast of Prairie du Rocher. From Prairie du Rocher, take Bluff Road (near the grain elevator) southeast. The shelter is more easily seen when traveling from Prairie du Rocher to Modoc. There is no charge to visit the site.

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Discover more about Modoc Rock Shelter National Historic Site

The Modoc Rock Shelter stands as a testament to the enduring presence of Native Americans in the Mississippi River valley. Located in Randolph County, Illinois, southeast of Prairie du Rocher, this rock shelter was formed by the undercutting of sandstone bluffs by Ice Age floods. For thousands of years, it served as a refuge and campsite for various groups, leaving behind a layered history of their lives. Archaeological excavations at the site have revealed over 28 feet of sediment containing a wealth of artifacts. These discoveries have allowed archaeologists to piece together a picture of how the environment and culture of the Native American inhabitants changed over time. The shelter was used as early as 9,000 years ago by small hunting parties, and later as a long-term base camp for families. Tools such as projectile points, scrapers, and hammer stones, along with remains of animals and plants, offer insights into their daily lives and subsistence strategies. The bluff continues to provide shelter today, with farmers using it to protect livestock. The Modoc Rock Shelter is more than just an archaeological site; it's a tangible link to the past. Visiting this National Historic Landmark offers a chance to contemplate the lives of those who came before us and to appreciate the long and complex history of human habitation in North America.

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