Plaque Text for This Illinois Landmark:
In 1673, Jacques Marquette reported that he and fellow French explorer, Louis Joliet, discovered a painting of what was probably two “water monsters” on the bluffs of the Mississippi River near present-day Alton. By 1700, those pictographic creatures were no longer visible. In 1836, the novelist John Russell described an image cut into the bluff of a legendary dragon-like creature with wings. According to Russell, the creature was called Piasa, “the bird that devours men.” That version of the pictograph, as well as myths about the Piasa, have become prominent in folklore.
More about The Legend of the Piasa:
Sadly, there are no surviving sketches of whatever Father Marquette saw from his boat that day in 1673, and the original cliff has been quarried and destroyed! Based on his description, he probably saw a painting of Real Lynx, or Lenapizha! This was a water monster that looked like a lynx but had scales and antlers and caused people to drown!
The idea of the “Piasa” lived on, though! Herbert and Orland Forcade painted a new Piasa on a different cliff in 1920, giving it wings! Their rendition lasted 30 years until the road was widened, destroying the painting. The Piasa that’s visible today has only been here since 1999 and was painted by Dave Stevens! I think it looks like a star-spangled manticore!
How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?
- Become a member of the Illinois State Historical Society!
- Become a member of the Junior League of Greater Alton!
- Be a responsible visitor! Please respect the signs and pathways, and treat all structures and artifacts with respect. They’ve endured a lot to survive into the present. They’ll need our help to make it into the future!
How Do I Get There?
North side of Great River Rd
0.9 miles NW of Piasa St
Alton, IL 62002
(Take Me There!)
When Should I Visit?
Whenever the mood strikes you!
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