The Silkwood Inn, also known as the "Silkwood Tavern" as well as the "Half Way House" (due to its location approximately halfway between Shawneetown and Kaskaskia), was originally built by Barzilla (Basil) Silkwood, upon his arrival to Illinois from Kentucky, serving as an inn and tavern along the Old Shawneetown - Kaskaskia Trail that connected communities in Southern Illinois during the early 1800s.

When the owner of the plantation died, the slaves were sold and Priscilla was bought by a Cherokee chief and taken to live on a reservation.

Silkwood was in Jonesboro, Illinois for a business trip when the Indians moved through the area.

The Mulkeytown Area Historical Society has restored the Silkwood Inn to its original exposed log structure.

The interior is furnished with 19th-century period-correct items, either on loan or that have been donated to the Silkwood Inn.