Vandalia in Fayette County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Madonna of the Trail
The National Old Trails Road
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., April 10, 2011
1. Madonna of the Trail Inscription
to the
Pioneer Mothers
of the
Covered Wagon Days
The Cumberland Road.
Built by
the Federal Government.
Was authorized by Congress
and approved by
Thomas Jefferson in 1806.
Vandalia marks the
western terminus
At Vandalia, Abraham Lincoln,
member of Illinois Legislature,
first formulated
those high principles
of freedom and justice
which gave the slaves
a liberator,
the Union a savior.
A gift to the City of Vandalia, 1928
Mrs. William Sweeney, State Regent
Restored 1990
Mrs. Virgil V. Clary, State Regent
Illinois State Organization NSDAR
Erected 1928 by National Society Daughters of the American Revolution.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Patriots & Patriotism • Settlements & Settlers • Women. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Former U.S. Presidents: #03 Thomas Jefferson, the Madonnas of the Trail, and the The Historic National Road series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1806.
Location. 38° 57.649′ N, 89° 5.67′ W.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Cumberland Road (here, next to this marker); First Protest Against Slavery (a few steps from this marker); The Charters Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); Flack's Hotel (within shouting distance of this marker); Second State Capitol (within shouting distance of this marker); First Elective Office (within shouting distance of this marker); Public Printer (within shouting distance of this marker); Third State Capitol (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Vandalia.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. To better understand the relationship, study each marker in the order shown.
Also see . . .
1. Madonna of the Trail. Vandalia Website entry (Submitted on February 19, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
2. The National Old Trails Road. Vanner Guides American Roads entry (Submitted on February 19, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., April 10, 2011
2. Madonna of the Trail Inscription
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., April 10, 2011
3. Madonna of the Trail Inscription
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., April 10, 2011
4. Madonna of the Trail Lincoln Inscription
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., April 10, 2011
5. Madonna of the Trail Gift Marker
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., April 10, 2011
6. Time Capsule Near Madonna of the Trail
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., April 10, 2011
7. Madonna of the Trail Monument
Looking northeast, with Old State Capitol in background
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., April 10, 2011
8. Madonna of the Trail Statue
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., April 10, 2011
9. Madonna of the Trail Monument and Old State Capitol
Curteich Postcard, (ACB Collection)
10. Madonna of the Trail Monument, Vandalia Illinois
“The Monument to the Pioneer Mothers, erected in Vandalia, Illinois, and dedicated October 26, 1928, is the gift to Illinois and the Nation of the Daughters of the American Revolution. It is one of twelve erected by this patriotic organization and marking the National Old Trails Road through twelve States. It is an expression of the appreciation of grateful generations for tbe sacrifices that the pioneer mothers made. It stands as a sentinel to remind us of the great highway that had its day of activity as on artery of early transcontinental travel and is no less important as such in this new day.
The monument — of algonite material and pinkish cast, eighteen feet high and weighing several tons, stands on historic grounds.”
Photographed By Allen C. Browne, August 29, 2005
11. Madonna of the Trail
At
4th and Gallatin St.
At
4th and Gallatin St.
The Madonna appears on the signage at the nearby Courthouse.
Internet Archive
12. Madonna of the Trail
at the dedication
Friday, October 26, 1928.
at the dedication
Friday, October 26, 1928.
“For in that long ago, with that wonderful gift, which is called intuition, the women of the land said to the men at their firesides, ‘For the children's sake let us journey to the westward.’ So from New England's storm bound coast, from the flower decked south-land, from the sunrise to the sunset gates, the feet of the pioneer woman made the path for civilization to tread. Her courage was the incentive. Over hill and through valley, across the vast prairie stretches she journeyed, and unconquered by every peril, she reached the haven where she would be and, planted there the sanctuary of home. She it was who ‘brought from out the bosom of the peerless west the younger states.’ She it was who sheltered all the way, the flag that Washington had planted on the ramparts of the Constitution. She it was who added new jewels to the constellation of stars. The Pioneer Mother of the Covered Wagon Days.” — Rose Moss Scott
Credits. This page was last revised on February 19, 2021. It was originally submitted on May 12, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 1,122 times since then and 38 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9. submitted on May 12, 2011, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 10, 11, 12. submitted on August 5, 2017, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.
