One of the earliest Black Settlements in southwest Illinois was the Rocky Fork area located just outside the Mississippi River City of Alton. Now part of present day Godfrey, the Rocky Fork Settlement traces its origins back to 1816 and was an early haven for escaping slaves crossing the Mississippi River from Missouri. It was also a stop on the famous Underground Railroad when it came to life in the 1830s.

Abolitionist and newspaper publisher Elijah P. Lovejoy made his home in Alton, along the banks of the Mississippi River, after leaving St. Louis. He was later killed and his printing press tossed into the mighty river by a pro-slavery mob in 1837. A monument, honoring Lovejoy and his advocacy, was built in the 1890’s at the Alton City Cemetery.

Enjoy soups, salads and sandwiches at this historic restaurant housed in downtown Alton’s historic Ryder Building, once a circuit courthouse where Abraham Lincoln practiced law.

Once a stagecoach stop, a tavern, a bank and even a stop on the Underground Railroad, the mansion has been part of the Jerseyville landscape for over 200 years. Cheney Mansion now serves as a local history museum.

The first free, integrated school in the U.S. opened in the rural Jersey County community of Otterville in 1835. Named in honor of Dr. Silas Hamilton, a local physician who funded the construction of the primary school following his death. Dr. Hamilton stipulated the school would be free to attend for all children including his freed slave George.

Meet jazz musician Miles Davis in downtown Alton! A life-sized bronze statue of the musician, who was born in Alton, welcomes visitors to the entertainment district of the city. Get a photo with Miles playing his trumpet. The statue was created by noted Illinois sculptor Preston Jackson.

Stop in for a relaxing dinner at Bluff City Grill in downtown Alton – famous for its home cooked entrees and appetizers.

Take a self-guided tour of the East St. Louis Race Riots Sacred Sites commemorating the racial violence that ravaged this industrial city in 1917. A total of 24 sites with descriptive markers link the history of this dark period of city’s relationship between white and black residents.

Drench your tastebuds with the home cookin’ and grillin’ flavors at this East St. Louis featuring snoots, rib tips and the magical ‘Snooter Comeback Sammich’.

Miles Davis was born in Alton but his family, led by his father, a prominent dentist, moved to East St. Louis when he was 9 months old. The family’s home still stands and serves as a Miles Davis museum and community center focused on nurturing the talents of young musicians.

Renowned dancer and choreographer Katherine Dunham made East St. Louis her home and a museum highlighting her professional career showcases her impact on the world of dance. The museum also houses more than 250 pieces of function and symbolic African and Caribbean art from over 50 different countries.

First class dining, world class gaming and stunning views of downtown St. Louis and the Gateway Arch are part of the ambiance of this classic Mississippi River casino.