County: Madison
Location: The marker is located in Granite
City, on the west side of the 3100 block of Red Bud Avenue,
just south of its intersection with Stratford. It is on the
grounds of the Six Mile Prairie Museum.
N 38o 43.320
W 090o 06.230
Erected: 08/20/1989 Erected by: Old Six Mile Historical Society and The Illinois State Historical Society
Six Mile Prairie, located in the American Bottom six miles from St. Louis, was first settled in the 1830's by American farm families who migrated from the Upland south. With their crude farm implements, these pioneers broke through the tough prairie sod to grow crops in this rich bottomland, once called the 'Garden Spot of the State.' The increase in farm trade and Stage coach traffic required improved access between Six Mile Prairie and St. Louis. In 1849 a plank road was constructed of 12 foot oak logs split and laid face up on stringers. This later became an extension of the National Road.
Press Back button to return to Historical Markers list.