Growth

• The early growth of Kaskaskia was due to fur trading and agriculture, according to GreatRiverRoad.com. But after the French and Indian War began in 1756, many of the townspeople left.
  
  

Wartime

• The British took over the town and stayed until George Rogers Clark reclaimed it on July 4, 1778 during the American Revolution. After a period of unrest, the American military moved in and re-established order. The population was said to be around 7,000 between 1810 and 1820.
  
  

Demise

• Kaskaskia lost population when the state capital was moved to Vandalia in 1820. The town further declined after the Mississippi River flooded in 1844, and again in 1881. The population in July 2009 was nine people according to City-Data.com.