Genealogy Seekers: Relive the True Mother Road The Edwards Trace

Join us on a virtual historic road trip to celebrate America's 250th Birthday. 

This presentation takes audience members on a journey back in time, to an era when Illinois was not yet a state but a vast landscape of prairie grass and fertile soil. The Edwards Trace is an ancient trail that dates back at least 3,000 years that went through Illinois marking the migratory path of various animal herds starting in Kaskaskia, Illinois to Peoria, Illinois. Native Americans used this trail to track the seasonal migrations of herds, leveraging it for hunting, trade, and warfare. Early European settlers, such as the French, British, and Americans, depended on this trail for their travels, similar to Route 66. 

Anna will discuss the historical significance of the Edwards Trace and its role in national events and the early settlement of Illinois. Audience members will learn how Native Americans and early settlers used the trail to navigate the vast prairie landscape, relying on prominent natural landmarks to guide their way. The goal of this presentation is to inform the public that portions of the Edwards Trace remain visible today, preserving a tangible connection to Illinois’ early history.

This presentation aligns with the Illinois America 250 Commission's theme, the “Power of Place,” that helps us explore how our natural and built environments have shaped the settlement, migration, and the development of our state. The Illinois America 250 Commission's goals are to uplift local stories, places, and programs; build pride; and showcase how Illinois brings the ideals of the Declaration of Independence to life.

Presenter will be virtual.