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Historic District

History is alive in Waterloo with the operation of three museums.

Bellefontaine House

Located on the south edge of Waterloo, this was the site of the town’s original settlement. Bellefontaine House is owned and operated by the Monroe County Historical Society and is the second American settlement in the Northwest Territory and first in Illinois.  The Kaskaskia Trail continues here today! Contact the Monroe County Historical Society at 618-939-5230 for a visit or for more information. You can also "Like" them on Facebook under Bellefontaine House.

Peterstown House

Located on North Main Street in Waterloo, Peterstown House dates back to the early 1800s and originally was used as a general store, tavern and inn for stagecoach travelers on the Kaskaskia-Cahokia Trail. The Peterstown Heritage Society operates a museum in the house. Contact the Peterstown Heritage Society at 618-939-4222 for hours and more information. You can also "Like" them on Facebook under Peterstown House.

History Museum of Monroe County

The History Museum of Monroe County in Waterloo brims with a healthy dose of Western memorabilia, with hundreds of artifacts that not only explore agriculture, transportation and commercial history, but celebrates cowboys and pioneers! The gifted “Kueker Collection” includes saddles, horse bridles, spurs and military artifacts as well as original and replica wagons in our three galleries. You’ll also visit a reconstructed 1860s general store! Tours anytime, call 618-514-1628. Visit us at www.monroecountyhistorymuseum.org; like us on FB.