| Illinois (Alexander County), Cairo — "Proceeding On" |
| | In November, 1803, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark and their growing contingent of "Corps of Discovery" men, spent five days here teaching each other celestial navigation and surveying skills. Using a sextant, octant, artificial horizon, and reference tables, they successfully obtained the first longitude and latitude data that they would use during the Expedition. Subsequent maps of the northern and western portions of the United States, prepared using Lewis and Clark's data, began at the . . . — Map (db m19393) |
| Illinois (Alexander County), Cairo — Cairo, Illinois |
| | Pierre Francois Xavier de Charlevoix, a French Jesuit, reported as early as 1721 that the land at the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers would be a strategic location for settlement and fortification. Nearly a century later, in 1818, the Illinois territorial legislature incorporated the city and the Bank of Cairo. But Cairo was then only a paper city, and plans for its development came to a standstill with the death of John Gleaves Comegys, the leading promoter of the corporation. . . . — Map (db m19398) |
| Illinois (Alexander County), Cairo — Duncan Cannon |
| | William B. Duncan, Chairman of the Mobile & Ohio Railroad, presented this Rodman smooth bore cannon to the city of Cairo as a gift, May 27, 1905. The gun saw action for both sides of the Civil War at Fort Morgan, Mobile, Alabama, in 1861, to protect southern commerce, the Confederacy seized it. Union forces recaptured Fort Morgan in Aug., 1864. The cannon was used then until 1888 as part of the nation's seacoast armament. — Map (db m19423) |
| Illinois (Alexander County), Cairo — Historical Survey Marker |
| | The beginning of the Third Principal Meridian is located in the Ohio River 1,735 feet directly north of this point. In November, 1803, this was the mouth of the Ohio River. At this location, the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery encamped for six days. — Map (db m19415) |
| Illinois (Alexander County), Cairo — Lewis & Clark — Corps of Discovery |
| | Charting the Confluence On November 14, 1803, at the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, the Corps of Discovery stayed for six days, one of the longest stops made by the expedition. Here, they saw the Mississippi for the first time, noted the mistletoe on the large timber and to their surprise, caught a 128 pound blue catfish. Their stay allowed Captain Lewis to teach Captain Clark the use of the navigational equipment; a compass and sextant. Because the 3rd Principal Meridian . . . — Map (db m19413) |
| Illinois (Alexander County), Cairo — Lewis and Clark in Illinois |
| | On November 14, 1803, Meriwether Lewis, William Clark and their party landed at the confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers, the site of the present day Cairo. They spent nearly a week here, learning how to determine longitude and latitude, a skill they would need on their westward expedition. — Map (db m19419) |
| Illinois (Alexander County), Cairo — The Beginning of the Third Principal Meridian |
| | The beginning of the Third Principal Meridian is located in the Ohio River 1,810 feet directly north of this point. In November, 1803, this was the mouth of the Ohio River. At this location, the Lewis & Clark Corps of Discovery encamped for six days. — Map (db m19420) |
| Illinois (Alexander County), Cairo — The Meeting of the Rivers |
| | Long known to the Indian who used the two great rivers as his highways for trade and war, this junction of the Ohio and the Mississippi was first sighted by Europeans when Marquette and Joliet glided past in 1673. Ten years later La Salle explored the area and established France's claim to the Mississippi Valley. From that time on this confluence was recognized as a strategic site for settlement and fortification. George Rogers Clark, following the capture of Kaskaskia in 1778, stationed armed . . . — Map (db m19390) |
| Illinois (Alexander County), Cairo — The Ohio River Bridge — Cairo, Illinois - Wickliffe, Kentucky |
| | Completed November 11, 1933 Freed of Tolls November 11, 1948 by The Cairo Bridge Commission The Ohio River Bridge was conceived and built in the public interest by the Cairo Bridge Commission with the cooperation of the Federal Emergency Administration of Public Works and the Highway Departments of Illinois and Kentucky. The Bridge was operated and maintained by the commission and as a result of the untiring efforts of many public spirited citizens, the commission was able to repay all costs . . . — Map (db m19421) |
| Illinois (Alexander County), Cairo — York the Slave |
| | York was the first known African American to cross the American continent. In the company of Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery, from 1803-1806, he shared equally with them the rigors of the journey, but when the corps was honored, he received no recognition. Whenever the corps came upon American Indian tribes, however, his uniqueness became apparent. To the Crow, York's blackness of skin was viewed as "big medicine," to the Shoshonis and Nez Perce, he was a man of curiousity and strength and . . . — Map (db m19485) |
| Illinois (Champaign County), Homer — Beginning of the Lincoln Circuit Trail — Abraham Lincoln - Eighth Judicial Circuit |
| | A National Historic trail of the Boy Scouts of America established in 1963 as part of the circuit traveled between Urbana and Danville, Il. By Abraham Lincoln on the Eighth Judicial District in 1847 - 1859.
The trail traverses 16 miles easterly from this point, deviating North from U. S. 150 through strip-mine pollywogs to campgrounds in Kickapoo State Park near the intersection of the Middle Fork of the Vermilion River system with Vermilion Co. 32.
Dedicated in 1979 to
Prof. H. W. . . . — Map (db m23955) |
| Illinois (Champaign County), Homer — On The Bloomington Road / The Clark Neighborhood — Looking for Lincoln |
| |
On the Bloomington Road
The Fort Clark Road, later known as the Bloomington or State Road, was an important artery for commerce between Danville and Urbana. The road was first approved in 1826 by the Illinois Assembly. It was the first state road into western Vermilion County, which in 1833 became Champaign County. The map at left is the original 1820's survey map from the state line (right) to Big Grove (Urbana). The road was resurveyed by Moses Thomas in 1835, and Prather’s Ford . . . — Map (db m23850) |
| Illinois (Champaign County), Mahomet — Champaign County's Lincoln — Looking for Lincoln |
| | (Top Section)
Champaign County was always on Lincoln’s circuit. Abraham Lincoln spent nearly 20 years of his life practicing law on the 8th Judicial Circuit, traveling from one county seat to another. Even as the circuit shrank while population grew (from 8 counties in 1841 to 15 counties in 1845 to 8 in 1853 to 5 in 1857) the county seat of Urbana in Champaign County was always on Lincoln’s circuit. Each fall and spring, Lincoln traveled the dusty roads, on horseback or by carriage from . . . — Map (db m24340) |
| Illinois (Champaign County), Mahomet — Lincoln's Mahomet / Mahomet's Lincoln — Looking for Lincoln |
| | Lincoln’s Mahomet
[ Upper Section ]
The village of Middletown-Mahomet was platted by Daniel Porter in 1832 on the west bank of the Sangamon River near its headwaters. The main street of the village was actually a new road, made necessary by the location of the county seat at Urbana. The state road was moved to the south of the old Fort Clark Road. This change made Newcom’s Ford (on the northeast) obsolete and, thus, created a new ford near where the old railroad bridge stands . . . — Map (db m24374) |
| Illinois (Champaign County), Ogden — Abraham Lincoln - Eighth Judicial District — Champaign / Vermilion Counties — County Line Marker |
| | Abraham Lincoln
traveled this way as he rode the Circuit of the Eighth Judicial District
1847 - 1859 — Map (db m10987) |
| Illinois (Champaign County), St. Joseph — Lincoln at Kelley's Tavern — Looking for Lincoln |
| | Kelley’s Tavern was originally called Strong’s Inn after Cyrus Strong, who built a mud-mortar log cabin here in the 1830's. The inn at Strong’s Ford was a stop on the Bloomington or State Road from Danville west to Urbana. Kelley’s Inn was a stop for travelers on the westward migration - - and for local business. Joseph Kelley purchased the cabin from Strong in 1849, expanded it, and also provided a ferry across the Salt Fork. The four-room tavern standing at the spot was demolished in 1914. . . . — Map (db m23803) |
| Illinois (Champaign County), Tolono — Lincoln 1861 Inaugural Train Stop |
| | Abraham Lincoln made his farewell address to the people of Illinois at the Tolono Station February 11, 1861. "I am leaving you on an errand of national importance, attended as you are aware with considerable difficulties. Let us believe as some poet has expressed it 'behind the cloud the sun is still shining.' I bid you an affectionate farewell." — Map (db m4720) |
| Illinois (Champaign County), Tolono — Lincoln in Tolono — Looking for Lincoln |
| | Abraham Lincoln traveled through Tolono by locomotive at least eighteen times. He whiled the time away for his train connections by playing horseshoes and visiting with the Tolono residents. While campaigning in Illinois, Lincoln would frequently play a game of chess with a telegrapher at the Marion house Hotel-Depot.
Tolono lies at the junction of the Great Western and Illinois Central Railroads. Tolono is privileged to have at this site an historical stone marker to honor Abraham . . . — Map (db m23816) |
| Illinois (Champaign County), Urbana — Abraham Lincoln - Eighth Judicial District — Urbana, Illinois — County-Seat Marker |
| | Abraham Lincoln
traveled this way as he rode the Circuit of the Eighth Judicial District ···1847 - 1857 — Map (db m12194) |
| Illinois (Christian County), Mount Auburn — Abraham Lincoln - Eighth Judicial District — Macon / Christian Counties — County Line Marker |
| | Abraham Lincoln
traveled this way as he rode the Circuit of the Eighth Judicial District
1847 - 1859 — Map (db m12200) |
| Illinois (Christian County), Taylorville — Abraham Lincoln - Eighth Judicial District — Taylorville, Illinois — County-Seat Marker |
| | Abraham Lincoln
traveled this way as he rode the Circuit of the Eighth Judicial District ···1847 - 1857 — Map (db m12204) |
| Illinois (Christian County), Taylorville — Christian County Coal Miners — Taylorville, Illinois |
| | In Memory and Honor of
Christian County Coal Miners — Map (db m12399) |
| Illinois (Christian County), Taylorville — The Last Stop — "Looking for Lincoln" |
| | “I had pleasant accommodations at Taylorville in company with Mr. Lincoln & Mr. Thorton,” Circuit Judge David Davis once wrote from here.
He found this town–the last county seat on his circuit route–to be “prettily laid out, & tastefully arranged with trees & shrubs.” But pigs rummaging underneath the floor boards of the courthouse sometimes disrupted the Judge’s courtroom. Once, it was so noisy that attorney Lincoln reportedly rose to his feet to . . . — Map (db m12208) |
| Illinois (Clark County), Marshall — James Jones 1921 - 77 — The Handy Writers' Colony |
| | From Here to Eternity author James Jones co-founded The Handy Writers’ Colony (1949-1964) at the West edge of Marshall with his mentor Lowney Turner Handy and her husband, Harry. Jones wrote Some Came Running here before moving to New York and later to Paris and writing other books. Several other Colony writers completed and published novels during those years. The house Jones built at the edge of the Colony Grounds in 1953 still stands.
The house and Colony Grounds are . . . — Map (db m23336) |
| Illinois (Coles County), Charleston — Abraham Lincoln - Eighth Judicial District — Charleston, Illinois — County-Seat Marker |
| | Abraham Lincoln
traveled this way as he rode the Circuit of the Eighth Judicial District ···1847 - 1857 — Map (db m10938) |
| Illinois (Coles County), Charleston — Coles County - - Civil War Memorial |
| | (Upper Portion):Tribute of Coles County
in Honor of her Sons who fought for
The Union 1775 - - 1781 1812 - - 1815
1846 - - 1848 1861 - - 1865 1898 - - 1898 (Lower Portion):A house divided against its self cannot stand. I believe this government cannot endure permanently half slave and half free. — Map (db m11122) |
| Illinois (Coles County), Charleston — Coles County War Memorial |
| | This Memorial is dedicated to the men and women of the Armed Forces in all wars for the United States of America. — Map (db m11000) |
| Illinois (Coles County), Mattoon — Abraham Lincoln - Eighth Judicial District — Shelby / Coles Counties — County Line Marker |
| | Abraham Lincoln
traveled this way as he rode the Circuit of the Eighth Judicial District
1847 - 1859 — Map (db m10989) |
| Illinois (Coles County), Mattoon — Site of The Village of Richmond — Founded August 27, 1836 |
| | On this spot stood the Clapboard Inn, General Store, and Post Office of the early settlers, including the Lincoln family.
The survey of the Village shows thirty-seven lots. Main Street, sixty feet wide, ran immediately with the State Road and was crossed by Mulberry, Sycamore, and Cottenwood streets.
The State Road extended from Paris via Charleston to Shelbyville, and on to Vandalia, Illinois, the Old State Capitol.
A conch shell blown at a distance announced the arrival of the . . . — Map (db m10991) |
| Illinois (Cook County), Chicago — Catholic Cemetery — Hidden Truths — The Chicago City Cemetery and Lincoln Park, Then and Now |
| | Chicago's early Catholic Cemetery ran from North Av. south to Schiller St., and Dearborn St. to the lake, now Astor St. Established in 1845, it existed until the 1871 Chicago Fire charred the grounds. Like the City Cemetery to the north, not all remains were exhumed as had been assumed. Skeletal fragments have been unearthed during construction projects in nearly every decade since the 1890's.
This two-part project by Pamela Bannos continues on the Internet: http://hiddentruths.northwestern.edu — Map (db m10665) |
| Illinois (Cook County), Chicago — City Cemetery — Hidden Truths — The Chicago City Cemetery and Lincoln Park, Then and Now |
| | This was the site of the City Cemetery, Chicago's only public graveyard from 1843-1859. Extending from North Av. to Wisconsin St., there were more than 20,000 burials here. For nearly twenty years beginning in 1866, as the grounds were converted to Lincoln Park, bodies were being exhumed and carried to new private cemeteries outside city limits. Since the 1890's construction projects have been revealing skeletal remains. For various reasons, many bones likely still remain here beneath the soil. . . . — Map (db m10660) |
| Illinois (Cook County), Chicago — Couch Tomb — Hidden Truths — The Chicago City Cemetery and Lincoln Park, Then and Now |
| | This stone vault is the oldest structure standing within the Chicago Fire zone. It was erected in 1858 for Ira Couch, a wealthy hotelier who died at age 50 while wintering in Cuba. Though some theories exist, there is no official answer as to why this tomb was left behind on the site of the Chicago City Cemetery. Varying accounts of the number entombed suggest 7 to 13 or merely Ira alone.
This two-part project by Pamela Bannos continues on the Internet: http:/hiddentruths.northwestern.edu — Map (db m10664) |
| Illinois (Cook County), Chicago — Kennison Boulder Monument |
| | In Memory of
David Kennison
The Last Survivor of the
"Boston Tea Party"
who died in Chicago, February 24, 1852, aged 115 yrs, 3 mos, 17 da, and is buried near this spot. This stone is erected by the Sons of the Revolution, the Sons of the American Revolution, and the Daughters of the American Revolution. — Map (db m10656) |
| Illinois (Cook County), Chicago — Lincoln Park Transitions — Hidden Truths — The Chicago City Cemetery and Lincoln Park, Then and Now |
| | Lincoln Park, named in 1865 for the assassinated President, gradually replaced the 22 year old City Cemetery. This urban cemetery land, already desired for park grounds, was first deemed a health hazard in 1859. That same year officials began transferring remains to a private cemetery for the first time. In 1866, a civil lawsuit forced exhumations in a 12 acre tract. The 1871 Chicago Fire disfigured the remaining grounds. In 1874, unclaimed cemetery lots were condemned for the expansion of . . . — Map (db m10659) |
| Illinois (Cook County), Chicago — Lion House, Lincoln Park Zoo — Perkins, Fellows & Hamilton, architects — 1912 |
| | Located in one of the country's oldest municipal zoological parks, the Lion House blends both the grandly-scaled public architecture of the Classical style with the innovative Prarie style developed by Chicago architects in the early 20th century. The building was designed by important architect Dwight H. Perkins, an advocate of park and school reform. The building has excellent brickwork and terra-cotta ornament, unique lion mosaic, and a grand interior with a vaulted Guastavino-tile ceiling, . . . — Map (db m10653) |
| Illinois (Cook County), Chicago — Potter's Field — Hidden Truths — The Chicago City Cemetery and Lincoln Park, Then and Now |
| | From 1843 to 1871, this area was the City Cemetery potter's field, a graveyard for the poor and disenfranchised. More that 15,000 people, including 4,000 Civil War Rebels, were buried here on marshy land near the water's edge. Within six days in July 1854, over 200 cholera victims were laid to rest. Chicago's first Jewish cemetery, established in 1846, was located on what is today's furthest north baseball diamond. Baseball fields have occupied these grounds since 1877. Due to various . . . — Map (db m10663) |
| Illinois (Cook County), Chicago — The Kennison Boulder — Hidden Truths — The Chicago City Cemetery and Lincoln Park, Then and Now |
| | The 1852 funeral for David Kennison was the most elaborate Chicago had ever seen. The City paid all expenses, and donated 2 cemetery lots, intending to erect a monument on his grave. That never happened. The legend of his exploits grew to unfeasible proportions. His Boston Tea Party fame, military achievements, and his claim to have lived to the age of 115 years are disputed today. This boulder, installed 50 years after Kennison's death, is likely two blocks north of his actual burial site in . . . — Map (db m10657) |
| Illinois (Cook County), Chicago — Victory, World War I Black Soldiers’ Memorial |
| | Victory
St. Mihiel, Argonne Forest, Mont de Signes, Oise-Aisne Offensive.
In memory of the heroes of the old 8th Infantry, Illinois National Guard, redesignated during the World War as the 370th Infantry of the United States Army who died in France.
[Honor Roll of the Dead. Names of 137 members of the Eighth Infantry, Illinois National Guard, who lost their lives during World War I] — Map (db m4683) |
| Illinois (Cook County), Elk Grove Village — Reverend J. Ward Morrison Boulevard |
| | In Recognition of
The Reverend J. Ward Morrison
Pastor Emeritus
Queen of the Rosary Parish
Elk Grove Village, Illinois
This Boulevard is named in honor of the Reverend J. Ward Morrison. He devoted much of his time, energies and talents not only to his church but to the benefit of many of the people of Elk Grove Village. He especially demonstrated an affection for children and a concern for those in need.
Father Morrison, a priest for over 50 years, was the first Pastor of Queen . . . — Map (db m10672) |
| Illinois (Crawford County), Palestine — Auntie Gogin's Store |
| | On this block Mary Ann (Elwell) Gogin operated a General Merchandise Store in the late nineteenth century.
One of the first women in Illinois to own and manage her own store. Mrs. Gogin was affectionately known as "Auntie" to the residents of Palestine. — Map (db m23315) |
| Illinois (Crawford County), Palestine — Cullom Homestead |
| | Here stood the home of Edward N. Cullom who with Joseph Kitchell platted the Village of Palestine in 1818.
They donated to the county the land including the Public Square for the County Seat. Early court sessions were held in the Cullom home. — Map (db m23311) |
| Illinois (Crawford County), Palestine — Dubois Tavern |
| | Here stood the Dubois Tavern. Jesse K. Dubois, a close friend of Abraham Lincoln, was an official in the United States Land Office in Palestine from 1849-1853 and later became the Auditor of Public Accounts for Illinois. His son, Fred T. Dubois, became a Senator from Idaho. — Map (db m23309) |
| Illinois (Crawford County), Palestine — Fort Foot |
| | About 1813 the William Eaton family and other restless pioneers considered Fort LaMotte too crowded and therefore constructed a new stockade on a site several hundred yards North of here. A family trait of the Eatons, large feet, led to the name "Fort Foot". — Map (db m23319) |
| Illinois (Crawford County), Palestine — Fort LaMotte |
| | About 1812 the settlers in this area built Fort LaMotte for protection from hostile indians.
The pioneers farmed the adjoining land but stayed within easy reach of the protective walls.
After the War of 1812 the Indian threat diminished and the inhabitants of the Fort became the nucleus of Palestine. — Map (db m23308) |
| Illinois (Crawford County), Palestine — Gov. Augustus C. French |
| | On this site stood the home of Augustus C. French (1808-1864) when he was elected the ninth Governor of Illinois.
The early settlers in Illinois came mostly from Southern States so that French, a native of New Hampshire, was the first "Yankee" to be elected Governor. — Map (db m23318) |
| Illinois (Crawford County), Palestine — Houston - Dickson Store |
| | Two early residents of Palestine, John Houston and Francis Dickson, purchased this lot as the site for a combination dwelling and store about 1818.
By 1820 their stock of merchandise provided nearby settlers with goods which they previously had to bring from Indiana. — Map (db m23313) |
| Illinois (Crawford County), Palestine — Kitchell Grist Mill |
| | In this area Joseph Kitchell who settled here in 1817 erected a Grist Mill and Distillery which eliminated the trip to Shakertown, Indiana where the farmers had previously taken their grain.
Horses were used for power, grain was taken in pay, converted to whiskey and sold to the settlers. — Map (db m23307) |
| Illinois (Crawford County), Palestine — Palestine, Illinois |
| | This area reminded Frenchman John LaMotte of the land of milk and honey, Palestine. While a member of the LaSalle exploring party, he became separated from the group, traveled down the Wabash River, and first gazed upon the region in 1678. Other French settlers came during the 18th Century. Then, by 1812, the Westward moving Americans began constructing Fort LaMotte. As the palisade filled with settlers, those desiring more room moved a few miles to the Northwest and established Fort Foot. . . . — Map (db m23328) |
| Illinois (Crawford County), Palestine — Rousch Brothers - - Aviation Pioneers |
| | Usher - October13, 1891 - - April 4, 1941. Built his first airplane in 1909. From 1913-1927 he learned to fly, barnstormed, and did stunt flying. Pilot and instructor for Interstate Airline and American Airways 1928-1930 and American Airlines 1930-1939. In 1931 he helped organize air line pilots’ association and was secretary from 1934-1939. He was Captain on American Airlines 1930-1931. From 1939-1941 he was a pilot with TACA in Central America.
Charles - March 4, 1896 - January 21, . . . — Map (db m23331) |
| Illinois (Crawford County), Palestine — The Fife Opera House |
| | The Fife Opera House, located on the second floor of the Fife Hardware Store, was built by David Fife. It operated from 1901-1912.
It seated 700 people on red leather seats, had electric fans and was heated with a coal furnace. There were five sets of scenery, some of which are still visible today.
Such entertainments as local talent shows, stock theatrical companies, band concerts, a lyceum series, special speakers, and commencements drew crowds from Hutsonville, Robinson, Flat Rock and . . . — Map (db m23314) |
| Illinois (Crawford County), Palestine — United States Land Office |
| | A United States Land Office was located at this site in 1820 and operated until 1855. Settlers from as far as Chicago came here to file on homesteads.
Young Abraham Lincoln passing through Palestine in 1830 with his family in emigrant wagons noticed a crowd before this land office. — Map (db m23316) |
| Illinois (DeKalb County), Rockford — Shabbona |
| | In the early 1800's Shabbona was a principal chief of the Ottowa, Potawatomi, and Chippewa group of tribes which banded together to form "The Three Fires." Shabbona camped briefly in a large grove one-half mile south of here. He fought with the British in the War of 1812 and later helped the settlers of Northern Illinois by warning of Indian uprisings during the Winnebao outbreak. In the Black Hawk War, Shabbona alerted pioneers to impending Indian raids and offered to lead an attack against the Sauk and Fox tribes. — Map (db m9643) |
| Illinois (Dewitt County), Clinton — Abraham Lincoln - Eighth Judicial District — Clinton, Illinois — County-Seat Marker |
| | Abraham Lincoln
traveled this way as he rode the Circuit of the Eighth Judicial District ···1847 - 1857 — Map (db m10959) |
| Illinois (Dewitt County), Clinton — DeWitt County War Memorial — DeWitt, Illinois |
| | In Memoriam
Dedicated to the men and women of DeWitt County who served in the Cause of Freedom. — Map (db m10961) |
| Illinois (Dewitt County), Clinton — Friends To The End — Looking for Lincoln |
| | [ Top Section ]
During the twenty years Abraham Lincoln attended the DeWitt County Court on the Eighth Judicial Circuit, he and Clifton H. Moore, Clinton’s first resident attorney, developed a deep friendship as well as a mutual law practice.
The two men shared many similarities, each achieving his law degree through diligent independent study rather than university education. Both had abilities for surveying land. Lincoln used his skills in New Salem days; Moore used his . . . — Map (db m24298) |
| Illinois (Dewitt County), Clinton — Humorous Moments — Looking for Lincoln |
| | Barnett Tavern, owned and operated by Alvin and Rebecca Barnett, stood at 200 South Center Street. The two-story home was a stopping-place for weary travelers, circuit lawyers, and judges journeying across the Illinois prairie. When in Clinton, Lincoln and his associates were often guests. Lincoln once jokingly commented on Mrs. Barnett’s custard. Having overheard, she never served him custard again.
One day, a farm boy sat on the ‘rascal bench’ outside the Barnett Tavern. On . . . — Map (db m24236) |
| Illinois (Dewitt County), Clinton — Lincoln and The Law — Looking for Lincoln |
| | During his twenty years on the Eighth Judicial Circuit, Abraham Lincoln tried numerous cases in the DeWitt County courthouses, including a slander case involving William Dungey. Dungey, “a dark skinned man of Portuguese descent,” married Joseph Spencer’s sister. The brothers-in-law had a dispute that became so bitter that by 1855, Spencer was making a serious accusation: “Black Bill" Dungey, as Spencer was calling him, was a “negro.”
In . . . — Map (db m24237) |
| Illinois (Dewitt County), Clinton — Lincoln at Work and Play — You Can't Fool the People — Looking for Lincoln |
| |
[Top Section]
DeWitt County was part of the Eighth Judicial Circuit from its beginning, and so was Abraham Lincoln, who attended the first session of DeWitt Circuit Court in Clinton on October 24, 1839. Court sessions were held each spring and fall. For the locals, court week was like a carnival, and people came from miles around to pack the court and participate in the accompanying social activities. For twenty years, Lincoln was a part of the Clinton community, practicing . . . — Map (db m24321) |
| Illinois (Dewitt County), Clinton — Lincoln Speech July 27, 1858 |
| | "You can fool all the people part of the time and part of the people all the time, but you can not fool all the people all the time."
Spoken in an address in Clinton July 27, 1858 by
Abraham Lincoln
"I must stand with anybody that stands right. Stand with him while he is right, and part with him when he goes wrong."
Abraham Lincoln — Map (db m11030) |
| Illinois (Dewitt County), Clinton — Lincoln's Friends and Foes — Looking for Lincoln |
| | [ Top Section ]
This satirical February 1863 editorial illustration, titled “The Copperhead Party, “ depicts three Copperheads advancing on Columbia. Copperheads were Southern sympathizers who saw themselves as “Peace Democrats,” opposed to Lincoln and the forced preservation of the Union. Many Copperheads resided in DeWitt County, which is not surprising, considering so many DeWitt County settlers had deep Southern roots.
[ Middle Section ] . . . — Map (db m24235) |
| Illinois (Dewitt County), Clinton — Lincoln's Hat — Looking for Lincoln |
| | A proper Presbyterian Church was under construction in the summer of 1859. A floor was laid, walls, roof, and belfry nearly completed, when “a halt due to lack of funds” occurred. In October 1859, money was urgently needed to complete construction. The view from the building site to the DeWitt County Courthouse on the public square was unobstructed.
Recognizing opportunity, the church ladies held a festival during court week to take maximum advantage of the generosity of . . . — Map (db m24247) |
| Illinois (Dewitt County), Clinton — On The Campaign Trail — Looking for Lincoln |
| | [ Top Section ]
Clifton H. Moore, DeWitt County’s first resident attorney, built this stately brick home in 1857-58 on an eighty-acre tract of land purchased from Judge David Davis. The original house suffered damage from a windstorm and now lacks the west wing as pictured. In 1880, Moore purchased and moved into another large Clinton home known as “The Homestead.”
[ Middle Section ]
Lincoln and Douglas had numerous speaking engagements other than their scheduled . . . — Map (db m24301) |
| Illinois (Dewitt County), Clinton — War on the Horizon — Looking for Lincoln |
| | [ Left Section ]
When Lincoln called for troops to defend the Union, the men and boys of DeWitt County heeded his urgent request. Some who volunteered were from families who had know and befriended Lincoln during his days as a prairie lawyer and politician, for Lincoln practiced both occupations here.
Others, like German-born twenty-eight-year-old shoemaker Martin Mohrle, were foreign-born DeWitt County residents who answered the call just the same. Some lost their lives on the . . . — Map (db m24253) |
| Illinois (Dewitt County), Clinton — Warner's Memories / Lawyers and Book Lovers — Looking for Lincoln |
| | Warner's Memories
[ Top Section ]
Lincoln traveled the Eighth Judicial Circuit six months a year, becoming close friends with his fellow lawyers, with whom he shared, not only courtroom, but also meals, an easy camaraderie, and often a room. “In my opinion, Lincoln was happy - - as happy as he could be, when on this Circuit - - and happy no other place. This was his place of enjoyment, “sad David Davis, the judge who presided over the circuit. Davis; also Lincoln’s . . . — Map (db m24325) |
| Illinois (Dewitt County), DeWitt — The Law and Lodging / Whiskey Mayhem — Looking for Lincoln |
| |
The Law and Lodging
[Top Section]
During his years traveling the Eighth Judicial Circuit, Abraham Lincoln was the overnight guest of many DeWitt County residents. As a frontier lawyer, he spent several months per year away from home while making his legal rounds. For travelers spending the night in various DeWitt County private homes, taverns, and hotels, the accommodations varied considerably. The structures ranged from the palatial Argo House to the rustic log . . . — Map (db m24371) |
| Illinois (Dewitt County), Kenney — Abraham Lincoln - Eighth Judicial District — Logan / DeWitt Counties — County Line Marker |
| | Abraham Lincoln
traveled this way as he rode the Circuit of the Eighth Judicial District
1847 - 1859 — Map (db m12193) |
| Illinois (Edgar County), Chrisman — One of The Original Milestones (# 93) |
| | One of the original Milestones which marked the trail from Vincennes to Chicago.
This stone was No. 93 which designated the number of miles from Vincennes. — Map (db m11651) |
| Illinois (Edgar County), Chrisman — One of The Original Milestones (# 97) |
| | One of the original Milestones which marked the Trail from Vincennes to Chicago.
This stone was No. 97 which designated the number of miles from Vincennes. — Map (db m11658) |
| Illinois (Edgar County), Chrisman — Pontiac Peace Treaty |
| | A few miles west of here on July 18, 1765, Pontiac, an Ottawa Chief, and George Croghan, British Representative, met in a formal peace council which ended the most threatening Indian uprising against the British in North America. Following the French and Indian War (1754 - 1763), many Indian tribes showed dissatisfaction with British rule. Indian leaders believed the land belonged to the Indians and that the French and British occupied it only by their consent, but the British had no intention . . . — Map (db m10997) |
| Illinois (Edgar County), Kansas — Abraham Lincoln - Eighth Judicial District — Edgar / Coles Counties — County Line Marker |
| | Abraham Lincoln
traveled this way as he rode the Circuit of the Eighth Judicial District
1847 - 1859 — Map (db m10988) |
| Illinois (Edgar County), Paris — Abraham Lincoln - Eighth Judicial District — Paris, Illinois — County-Seat Marker |
| | Abraham Lincoln
traveled this way as he rode the Circuit of the Eighth Judicial District ···1847 - 1857 — Map (db m10937) |
| Illinois (Edgar County), Paris — American Revolution War Memorial - Edgar County Illinois |
| |
[First Plaque - Front of Boulder:]
1775 - D. A. R. (Crest) - 1783
To the Honor and Glory
of the Soldiers of the
- American Revolution -
who are buried in Edgar Co.
[Row One:]
Elijah Austin • Hugh Barr • James Benson • Gurdin Burnham • Elijah Clay • John Conrey • William Gannon, Sr. • Ferrel Hester • William Hurst • William James
[Row Two:]
James Knight, Sr. • William Meadows • William Means • Asa Moore • Stephen Ogden • George Redmon . . . — Map (db m23460) |
| Illinois (Edgar County), Paris — Millstones Long in the Service of Pioneers — 110 years Working Millstones |
| |
[Plaque One:]
These Millstones long in the Service
of our Pioneers dedicated to their memory
by the Edgar County Historical Society
1817 - 1927
[Plaque Two:]
From the Lewis Jones Farm near Nevins
presented to
Edgar County by his son
William Shields Jones, M.D.
of Redmon
1861 - 1949 — Map (db m23457) |
| Illinois (Edgar County), Paris — Zion's Camp March — Through Edgar County |
| | In 1834, Joseph Smith, prophet of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (LDS), together with about 200 LDS Volunteers from Kirtland, Ohio, marched to assist threatened church members in Jackson County, Missouri. Called “Zion’s Camp,” this armed group crossed the Wabash River into Edgar County on May 24, encamped near the river, and after observing the Sabbath passed through Paris on May 26, causing uneasiness among local residents who misunderstood their purpose. The trek . . . — Map (db m23351) |
| Illinois (Edgar County), Ridge Farm — Abraham Lincoln - Eighth Judicial District — Vermilion / Edgar Counties — County Line Marker |
| | Abraham Lincoln
traveled this way as he rode the Circuit of the Eighth Judicial District
1847 - 1859 — Map (db m10698) |
| Illinois (Grundy County), Diamond — The Diamond Mine Disaster |
| | The Diamond Mine of the Wilmington Coal Mining and Manufacturing Company, located near Braidwood on the Grundy-Will County line, was the site of a major mine disaster in Illinois.
The mine was on a marshy tract of land that had no natural drainage. At midday of February 16, 1883, the east side of the mine collapsed from the weight of melting snow, ice, and heavy rains. An alarm was sounded, and miners who were near the escapment shaft hurried to the surface. The main passage to the shaft . . . — Map (db m6868) |
| Illinois (Iroquois County), Milford — Milford Illinois War Memorial |
| | [ Panel One ]
W. W. I
[ Row One ]
John Adams • Sherman Adsit • Roy Adwell • G. W. Akerly • Ralph Austin • + Forrest Ballard • Elmer Barkhurst • Homer Beall, Sr. • Jesse Bennet • Reed Berryman • Willard Black • Edward Blanken • Henry Bohlman • Edward Bohner • William Bohrman • Earl Bond • Earl Bookwalter • Joe Bookwalter • Roy Bookwalter • Avery Boone • E. P. Boone • John Boyer • Walter Breeding • Fred Brewer • Ernest Brown • Henry Bruens • George Buhrmester • + Albert O. Buss . . . — Map (db m17946) |
| Illinois (Iroquois County), Milford — Origin of Milford (Illinois) — Old Hubbard Trail — Dixie Highway |
| | This tablet, erected in the Spring of 1936, marks the Old Hubbard Trail, which forded Sugar Creek at this point. In this angle of ground between the ford and the trail there stood 100 years ago a pioneer grist mill. Thus giving the name the Mill Ford. From these two words and from this plot of ground grew the name and the present village of Milford. — Map (db m17873) |
| Illinois (Iroquois County), Milford — Rodney F. Reeves 1958 - 1981 — Retrieving and Restoring this Buzz Bomb |
| | This plaque is dedicated to the memory of Rodney F. Reeves
1958 - 1981
His love for Milford was shown by his labors in retrieving and restoring this Buzz Bomb to its original place in our community. — Map (db m17969) |
| Illinois (Jo Daviess County), East Dubuque — East Dubuque Veterans' Memorial |
| | Dedicated in memory
of all veterans of
the area who have
served and especially
to those who gave
their lives in
service of our
country in all our
conflicts. — Map (db m22916) |
| Illinois (Kankakee County), Aroma Park — McHie Ferry |
| | Historical Marker
McHie Ferry
Est. 1910 - Disc. 1920
Kankakee County's First Ferry
Made by WM. and James McHie
Aroma Park Lions Club — Map (db m9675) |
| Illinois (Lawrence County), Lawrenceville — Abraham Lincoln & Family Moved to Illinois |
| | In the late winter of 1830 a few weeks after his 21st birthday Abraham Lincoln passed this way with his father's family entering the State of Illinois for the first time. — Map (db m23260) |
| Illinois (Lee County), Dixon — Reagan Home |
| | The Reagan family—Jack, Nelle, and their two sons, Neil (age 12) and Ronald (age 9), moved to Dixon and into this house on December 6, 1920. The boys attended school at South Side School, later known as South Central School, just four blocks north on Hennepin Avenue. The family lived in this house for three years. This home has been designated as a historical landmark by the Dixon Historical Preservation Commission. — Map (db m1591) |
| Illinois (Lee County), Dixon — Reagan Way |
| | Hennepin Avenue was often walked by a young Ronald Reagan from home to downtown and back. The street has four landmark institutions that played a vital role in the development of his character. They include the boyhood home, the grade school, now Dixon Historic Center, Dixon Public Library and the First Christian Church. This street has been designated as Reagan Way and a historical landmarks by the Dixon Historical Preservation Commission. — Map (db m1592) |
| Illinois (Logan County), Atlanta — Abraham Lincoln - Eighth Judicial District — McLean / Logan Counties — County Line Marker |
| | Abraham Lincoln
traveled this way as he rode the Circuit of the Eighth Judicial District
1847 - 1859 — Map (db m12162) |
| Illinois (Logan County), Delavan — Abraham Lincoln - Eighth Judicial District — Logan / Tazewell Counties — County Line Marker |
| | Abraham Lincoln
traveled this way as he rode the Circuit of the Eighth Judicial District
1847 - 1859 — Map (db m12139) |
| Illinois (Logan County), Lincoln — Abraham Lincoln - Eighth Judicial District — Lincoln, Illinois — County-Seat Marker |
| | Abraham Lincoln
traveled this way as he rode the Circuit of the Eighth Judicial District ···1847 - 1857 — Map (db m12186) |
| Illinois (Logan County), Lincoln — Abraham Lincoln and Lincoln, Illinois |
| | Near this site Abraham Lincoln christened the Town with the juice of a watermelon when the first lots were sold on August 27, 1853.
President-Elect Lincoln spoke here, November 21, 1860, while traveling to Chicago, and Lincoln's Funeral Train stopped here, May 3, 1865, before completing the trip to Springfield. — Map (db m12347) |
| Illinois (Logan County), Lincoln — Centennial Park — War Memorial |
| | In Eternal Memory of those from Lincoln and Logan County who served their country in all her wars, and of their Gold Star Mothers and Widows, we dedicate this park. From these grounds those who served entrained to answer their Country’s call.
In gratitude for those who were returned may future generations revere the devotion of those who made the Supreme sacrifice.
This monument was erected September 6, 1953 A. D. By the committee for the celebration of the first Centennial of . . . — Map (db m12443) |
| Illinois (Logan County), Lincoln — Lincoln Rustic Scene of Conspiracy |
| | In the Spring of 1876 a gang of counterfeiters plotted to steal the body of Abraham Lincoln from the Tomb in Springfield, Illinois. Hoping to be paid a ransom of $200,000.00 and the release of one of their gang, Ben Boyd, their engraver, who was in the penitentiary.
This was the location of their headquarters in Central Illinois. Here a part of the conspiracy was plotted.
Through the efforts of a man named W. D. Longnecker, a detective, the plot was uncovered and for awhile the plot was . . . — Map (db m12319) |
| Illinois (Logan County), Lincoln — Lincoln's Lincoln — Town Christening Site — "Looking for Lincoln" |
| | Town Christening Site
On August 27, 1853 the first sale of lots in the new town of Lincoln took place near this spot. In attendance was Abraham Lincoln, in whose honor the town had been named. “Nothing with the name of Lincoln has ever amounted to much,” he had reportedly quipped in response.
Lincoln was nevertheless obliging when a promoter asked him on the day of the land sale to officially “christen the town.” Lincoln picked an appropriate . . . — Map (db m12305) |
| Illinois (Logan County), Lincoln — Postville Court House Site — Eighth Judicial Circuit |
| | From 1839 to 1848 the seat of Logan County was Postville, which centered in the Court House located on this site. In this structure Abraham Lincoln, a member of the Traveling Bar of the Eighth Judicial Circuit, attended Court twice a year. — Map (db m12185) |
| Illinois (Logan County), Lincoln — Samuel C. Parks |
| | At this site was located the law office of Samuel C. Parks - a friend of Abraham Lincoln. Born in Vermont in 1820, he eventually moved to Logan County, where he served with Lincoln on the Eighth judicial Circuit. The two men shared law offices in Mt. Pulaski and Lincoln, Il. Both men were jointly associated with several legal cases. Aside from his legal duties, Parks was elected to the Illinois legislature in 1854.
Parks was a delegate to the first National Republican Convention in 1856 at . . . — Map (db m12352) |
| Illinois (Logan County), Lincoln — The Lincoln House |
| | On this site the Town proprietors erected the original Lincoln House in 1854.
Leonard Volk met Abraham Lincoln on the sidewalk in front of the hotel on July 16, 1858, and arranged to make Lincoln's life mask later. — Map (db m12349) |
| Illinois (Logan County), Lincoln — This Lot was Owned by Abraham Lincoln |
| | This lot was owned by
Abraham Lincoln
1858 - 1865 — Map (db m12321) |
| Illinois (Logan County), Mt. Pulaski — Abraham Lincoln - Eighth Judicial District — Mt. Pulaski, Illinois — County-Seat Marker |
| | Abraham Lincoln
traveled this way as he rode the Circuit of the Eighth Judicial District ···1847 - 1857 — Map (db m12187) |
| Illinois (Logan County), Mt. Pulaski — Bi-Plane - Train Race 1910 |
| | The historic race between a Wright Brothers bi-plane (2 wings) and an Illinois Central Steam train took place September 29, 1910 from Washington Park in Chicago to the State Fairgrounds in Springfield.
Wilbur Wright was a passenger on the train. Walter R. Brookins piloted the bi-plane. The win established the first airline route in Illinois and won the $10,000 prize offered by the 'Record Herald' newspaper.
Two World records were set at this landing - - sustained flight of 88 miles plus . . . — Map (db m12323) |
| Illinois (Logan County), Mt. Pulaski — Mt. Pulaski Court House |
| | Mt. Pulaski served as the seat of Logan County from 1848 to 1853. The First County Court was at Postville, now part of Lincoln, Illinois.
In 1848 Logan County voters approved the removal of the Court from Postville to Mt. Pulaski. Local citizens raised $2,700 toward the construction of this building.
Among those attending Court here were Abraham Lincoln, Stephen Douglas, Lyman Trumbull, and David Davis.
In 1853 the county seat was moved by legislation to Lincoln. The Mt. Pulaski Court . . . — Map (db m12327) |
| Illinois (Macon County), Decatur — Abraham Lincoln - Eighth Judicial District — Decatur, Illinois — County-Seat Marker |
| | Abraham Lincoln
traveled this way as he rode the Circuit of the Eighth Judicial District ···1847 - 1857 — Map (db m10956) |
| Illinois (Macon County), Decatur — Abraham Lincoln's First Political Speech |
| | Lincoln mounted a stump by Harrell's Tavern facing this square, and defended the Illinois Whig Party candidates near this spot at age 21 in the Summer of 1830.
This statue erected Oct. 12, 1968 by the Decatur and Macon County Heritage Committee. — Map (db m12199) |
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