Southern Illinois: Local Legends & Lore!

On December 17, 1811, an earthquake occurred along the New Madrid Fault Line, causing the Mississippi River to temporarily flow backward. The seismic activity disrupted the river's flow, resulting in a reversal of its direction for a brief period of time. The force of the earthquake altered the topography of the land, leading to this unusual phenomenon.

Old Shawneetown was Lewis and Clark's first stop in Illinois because it was a prominent settlement at the time and served as a key trading post for fur traders and travelers. It was strategically located along the Ohio River, making it an ideal stopping point for the expedition as they made their way westward. Additionally, Old Shawneetown was home to a Shawnee Indian village, providing the explorers with valuable opportunities for interaction and trade with Native American tribes in the region.

Southern Illinois University was chartered in 1869, making it the official year of establishment for the institution. This date marks the beginning of the university's history and its journey towards becoming a renowned educational institution in the region.

Southern Illinois University was originally chartered as Southern Illinois Normal University, indicating that its primary focus was on teacher education and training. The term "Normal" was commonly used in the 19th and early 20th centuries to refer to schools that specialized in teacher training, emphasizing the importance of standardizing and improving education practices. This name reflects the university's historical roots and its commitment to preparing educators for the region.

Old Shawneetown was the first bank to be chartered in Illinois because it was one of the earliest settlements in the state and a prominent trading post along the Ohio River. The establishment of a bank in Old Shawneetown was essential for facilitating trade and commerce in the region, making it a logical choice for the first chartered bank in Illinois. Additionally, the town's strategic location near the border of Illinois and Kentucky made it a hub for economic activity, further underscoring the importance of having a bank in Old Shawneetown.

In the 1830's, southern Illinois was known as Little Egypt due to its fertile soil along the Mississippi River, which reminded settlers of the Nile Delta in Egypt. The nickname was further solidified during the severe winter of 1830-31 when residents of southern Illinois had to travel to northern Illinois for food, drawing parallels to the biblical story of Joseph traveling to Egypt for grain during a famine.

The infamous "Bloody Vendetta" took place in Williamson County, known for a violent feud between two families that resulted in numerous deaths and acts of revenge. This feud became a symbol of lawlessness and violence in the region during the late 19th century, leaving a lasting impact on the history and reputation of Williamson County.

Charlie Birger was the leader of the Birger gang and was convicted of ordering the murder of the mayor of West City. As a notorious bootlegger and gangster in Southern Illinois during the Prohibition era, Birger was known for his criminal activities and violent tactics. His involvement in the murder of the mayor solidified his reputation as a ruthless and dangerous criminal figure in the region.

Lewis and Clark recruited George Drouillard at Fort Massac to act as an interpreter because he was a skilled frontiersman who was fluent in multiple Native American languages. Drouillard's knowledge of the land and his ability to communicate with various tribes made him an invaluable member of the expedition.

The earliest inhabitants of Illinois are thought to have arrived around 12000 B.C., based on archaeological evidence such as artifacts and ancient settlements found in the region. This date aligns with the end of the last Ice Age, when the environment became more hospitable for human habitation and migration patterns shifted. By studying these artifacts and sites, researchers have been able to piece together a rough timeline of when the first people may have settled in Illinois.

The first bank in Illinois was chartered at Old Shawneetown in 1816, marking a significant milestone in the state's financial history. This event played a crucial role in the development of the banking sector in Illinois and contributed to the economic growth of the region during that time period.

The earliest inhabitants of what is now southern Illinois are thought to have died out around 1400-1500 A.D., based on archaeological evidence and studies of their settlements and artifacts. This timeframe aligns with the decline of the Mississippian culture in the region, likely due to factors such as environmental changes, warfare, and disease.

After facing numerous strikes and conflicts, Joseph Leiter made the decision to close his Illinois coal mine in the year 1909. This action was likely a result of the ongoing labor disputes and financial difficulties that arose from the strikes, ultimately leading to the closure of the mine in that particular year.

The Ku Klux Klan first publicly appeared in Williamson County in 1923, marking the beginning of their presence and influence in the area. This year was significant as it represented the start of their activities and impact on the community, shaping the social and political landscape of the county during that time.