The Church of the Holy Family, built in 1799 in Cahokia | Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail

We often forget how different things were in the early 19th century, compared with today. 

For example, let’s think about the largest city in the western frontier – what was known in 1800 as the Indiana Territory. Specifically, we’ll focus on what we know today as the state of Illinois. If asked “What was the largest city at the turn of the century,” most people would instinctively answer, “Chicago.”

It’s the obvious, but incorrect answer. In 1803, Chicago was nothing more than a small U.S. fort – Fort Dearborn, situated where the main stem of the Chicago River flows out of Lake Michigan.

The honor of largest city in the Illinois area at the time of Lewis and Clark goes to Cahokia with 719 citizens. Located on the east side of the Mississippi River, the city was about four miles downstream from St. Louis. Second place goes to Kaskaskia which had approximately 470 residents.

This photo is of the Church of the Holy Family, built in 1799 in Cahokia. The church was formed in 1699 and is today one of the oldest Catholic congregations in the U.S.

We’ll look into both cities in upcoming posts.