Old Shawneetown in Gallatin County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Rawlings' Hotel
Photographed by Jason Voigt, August 11, 2020
1. Rawlings' Hotel Marker
One of Shawneetown's earliest brick buildings, Rawlings' Hotel, stood on this lot. It was built in 1821-1822 for Moses Rawlings, who owned until 1841. On May 7, 1825, it was the site of a reception held for the Marquis de Lafayette during his visit to America, 1824-1825. Accompanied by Illinois' Governor Edward Coles and other dignitaries, Lafayette walked between two long lines of people from the river's edge to the hotel. The building was one of eleven destroyed by fire, June 23, 1904.
Erected 1968 by Gallatin County Historical Society and the Illinois State Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Illinois State Historical Society, and the Lafayettes Farewell Tour series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is May 7, 1825.
Location. 37° 41.81′ N, 88° 8.051′ W. Marker is in Old Shawneetown, Illinois, in Gallatin County. It is on Main Street north of Old Shawneetown Road, on the right when traveling north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 668 Main St, Shawneetown IL 62984, United
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Southern Illinois Little Egypt, in Shawnee Hills, and in the Tri-State Region. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Ohio River Valley, and in the Corn Belt. 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 walking distance of this marker: Kaskaskia-Shawneetown and Goshen Trails (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Lewis and Clark in Illinois (about 400 feet away); Lewis & Clark Expedition (about 400 feet away); The Spirit of Shawneetown (about 400 feet away); General Logan's Marriage (approx. 0.2 miles away); Tent City (approx. 0.2 miles away); The John Marshall Residence (approx. Ό mile away); Marshall House (approx. Ό mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Old Shawneetown.
Another marker is no longer nearby. Lafayette's Tour (was here, next to this marker but has been confirmed
Photographed by Jason Voigt, August 11, 2020
2. Rawlings' Hotel Marker
Marker is a bit distant from the street (view from sidewalk)
Regarding Rawlings' Hotel. According to the IL Gen Web project website, the Daughters of the American Revolution also erected a marker at the former Rawlings' Hotel spot, but is now gone.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 11, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 13, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 961 times since then and 28 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 13, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.
