You Dig Archaeology? This is for YOU!

Central Wabash Archaeology Chapter

408 S Cross St.                                   

Robinson, Illinois 62454                                    

Helping to discover and preserve our past history!

Discover Historic Trails from Purgatory Swamp to the Five Mile House  

Robinson, IL – The Central Wabash Archaeology Chapter (CWAC) invites the public to an exciting historical exploration on May 3rd and 4th, 2025, as part of the 2025 State Illinois Association for the Advancement of Archaeology (IAAA) Annual Meeting.

Experts and historians will present groundbreaking research on early travel routes, tracing journeys from Vincennes through Lawrence County’s Purgatory Swamp, to the historic land grant office and trading post in Palestine, Crawford County, and onward via York Road to the Five Mile House in Charleston.

Museum access: The CWAC Archaeology Museum and the Crawford County Historical Museum will be open to all visitors from Friday evening through Sunday afternoon.

 Saturday May 3, 2025

Flat Rock Community Center,  104 S. Central Ave., Flat Rock, Il.

12:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.  - PUBLIC WELCOME - Afternoon speakers

Presentations on lost and forgotten towns such as Vernon and Boliver, as well as historic landmarks including the Heath, Fox, and Dolson Inns. Research from early traces, trails, and roads.

Archaeological findings from traditional excavation methods, including the uncovering of a pioneer cabin site and evidence of the region’s earliest Native inhabitants.

Greg Parrott - Early Interaction of Native Americans and Pioneers

Carolyn Stephens / Barb Ross / CWAC Members - Early Trails / Roads / Inns / Towns

            Lynn Stephens- Ellis Site, Findings of Excavations near Fort Lamotte, Palestine

            Mary DeLaGarza and Lucas Howser - Drone research intro and uses for archaeology

4:00 - 6:00 pm  ON YOUR OWN - TOURING

Archeological Museum and History Museum in Robinson open for viewing.

Fort Lamotte in Palestine is open for touring. 

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. -  PUBLIC WELCOME - EVENING AT THE BARN,

1253 N 2040th St., Flat Rock, IL

Bonfire wiener roast (Free will donation for the public attendees). Bring lawn chairs and wear appropriate clothing.

Followed by performance by French-Indian reenactor Tony Gerard who portrays Jean Baptiste Girard. He was born sometime during the first quarter of the 18th century in the French Illinois country. As a young man he traveled extensively throughout New France. He has fought against the Iroquois, British, Meskwaki and Chickasaw, traded with the Illini, Miami, Creek (and later the British), hunted and trapped throughout French Illinois and Louisiana. As an old man he makes his living as a hunter and occasional trader, living quietly with his family.  Join him as he reminisces about his life on the frontier of French Illinois. 

(Please call to reserve your place if you plan on attending.  CALL:  618-554-6474)

Sunday May 4, 2025

At the Barn 8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. -Sharing of Research Data from Lidar Survey; tours of Toby Cemetery, Pre-1900 Cabin Excavation, 1800s Barn, Pioneer Road

Demonstration of Drone-based Lidar, by University of Iowa researchers, showcasing lidar-enabled discoveries of past trails and structures, including a known pioneer road and cabin.

9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Archaeology Museum in Robinson open

This event offers a unique opportunity for history enthusiasts, archaeologists, and the general public to step back in time and explore the rich heritage of southeastern Illinois.

For more information, visit the CWAC Facebook page: Central Wabash Archaeology Chapter (CWAC Robinson) or call 618-562-9709.

Contact:  stephensfarms@gmail.com , 618-562-9709

French-Indian reenactor Tony Gerard who portrays Jean Baptiste Girard, will perform at 7 p.m., as part of the IAAA State Meeting on Saturday, May 3, at the Barn, 1253 N 2040th St., Flat Rock, IL .  The Public is invited to attend. Bring your lawn chairs.