Bloody Island — Local services in East St. Louis

Stumbled upon the forgotten history of Bloody Island in the Mississippi River near St. Louis. This sandbar emerged in the 1790s and became the go-to spot for duels since it fell outside both Missouri and Illinois jurisdiction.

Notable duels included fatal encounters between prominent lawyers and politicians. Even future Missouri governors faced off here! Eventually, Robert E. Lee (yes, that guy) supervised dyke construction in 1838 that merged the island with the Illinois shoreline.

Today, you'd never know this ordinary looking stretch of Illinois riverbank was once a lawless dueling ground with such a violent past. No markers, no fanfare, just an interesting piece of hidden history that most people drive right...

Best place around to settle differences. And when you’re done, the river is right there to dispose of your enemy! I’d give it 6 stars but if I...

I loved it. Lives up to it's name. I definitely feel like I am dying every time I visit this dump site. Bloody...