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Near Petersburg in Menard County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
 

Dr. Benjamin Franklin Stephenson

1823 - 1871

 
 
Dr. Benjamin Franklin Stephenson Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Al Wolf, October 4, 2008
1. Dr. Benjamin Franklin Stephenson Marker
Inscription. Founder of the Grand Army of the Republic, Menard County resident, Rush Medical College graduate 1850, Surgeon 14th Illinois Volunteers 1861-1864.

He originated the G.A.R. name, ritual and constitution of Post No. 1, Decatur April 6, 1866, called First National G.A.R. Convention and was its First Adjutant General.
 
Erected 1955 by Illinois State Historical Society.
 
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Fraternal or Sororal OrganizationsWar, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Illinois State Historical Society series list. A significant historical date for this entry is April 6, 1863.
 
Location. 40° 0.783′ N, 89° 49.719′ W. Marker is near Petersburg, Illinois, in Menard County. It is on Sangamon Avenue (Illinois Route 123) west of Curtis Black Top, on the left when traveling west. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Petersburg IL 62675, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Illinois, specifically in the Illinois River Valley, and in Greater Springfield. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt.
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Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Site of the First "Circus Barn" (approx. one mile away); Lincoln in Petersburg (approx. 1.1 miles away); Veterans Memorial (approx. 1.1 miles away); Abraham Lincoln - Eighth Judicial District (approx. 1.1 miles away); Peter McCue (approx. 1.1 miles away); Lincoln the Surveyor (approx. 1.1 miles away); The Survey of Petersburg (approx. 1.1 miles away); The Frackelton State Bank (approx. 1.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Petersburg.
 
Marker at "Rose Hills" Cemetery Entrance image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Al Wolf, October 4, 2008
2. Marker at "Rose Hills" Cemetery Entrance
Other View image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Al Wolf, October 4, 2008
3. Other View
Dr. Benjamin Franklin Stephenson grave site image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Bill Kirchner, October 3, 2014
4. Dr. Benjamin Franklin Stephenson grave site
Dr. Benjamin Franklin Stephenson grave site image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Bill Kirchner, October 3, 2014
5. Dr. Benjamin Franklin Stephenson grave site
 
 
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on October 10, 2008, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana. This page has been viewed 2,546 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos:   1, 2, 3. submitted on October 10, 2008, by Al Wolf of Veedersburg, Indiana.   4, 5. submitted on November 3, 2014, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.
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Jul. 11, 2026