Old Shawneetown in Gallatin County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

The Spirit of Shawneetown

Oldest Town in Illinois

Photographed by Jason Voigt, August 11, 2020

1. The Spirit of Shawneetown Marker

Inscription. Here we honor the spirit of the place called "Shawneetown." This proud spirit was born in the heart of the first stalwart Shawnee brave who saw in this beautiful river site, a homing place. It ignited in the first white settler 17 years before the city was surveyed and platted by the U.S. Government in 1810. It burned higher and higher through the years, until the tiny settlement grew into the most important city in Illinois. The historic visit of General Lafayette in 1825 signified the position of the city. The town still boasts of the application for a loan received from the then small City of Chicago. Due to a severe succession of floods, many of the proud people merely moved with their city to higher ground a few miles away, insuring the safety of its citizens while still maintaining the roots deep in the historic "Oldest Town In Illinois." In the summer of 1960, the Spirit of Shawneetown manifest itself in a gigantic sesquicentennial celebration. Each citizen freely gave of his mind, heart, and endless energy to commemorate our heritage, mementos of the grand parades, the spectacular exhibits, and the highly renowned

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

pageant lie safely preserved here in the earth for those who follow us, all who stand upon this spot and think of these things have met the Spirit of Shawneetown.

Erected 1960.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Lafayette’s Farewell Tour series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1810.

Location. 37° 41.774′ N, 88° 8.127′ W. Marker is in Old Shawneetown, Illinois, in Gallatin County. It is at the intersection of Main Street and Old Shawneetown Road, on the left when traveling north on Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 280 Washington St, Shawneetown IL 62984, United States of America. Touch for directions.

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

Photographed by Jason Voigt, August 11, 2020

2. The Spirit of Shawneetown Marker

Wide view, in a grassy field

Culture

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Lewis and Clark in Illinois (within shouting distance of this marker); Lewis & Clark Expedition (within shouting distance of this marker); Kaskaskia-Shawneetown and Goshen Trails (within shouting distance of this marker); Rawlings' Hotel (about 400 feet away); General Logan's Marriage (about 400 feet away); Tent City (approx. 0.2 miles away); Marshall House (approx. 0.2 miles away); The John Marshall Residence (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Old Shawneetown.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Lafayette's Tour (was about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line but has been confirmed missing).

Credits. This page was last revised on August 13, 2020. It was originally submitted on August 13, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 1,177 times since then and 45 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 13, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.