Springfield Lake Shore Improvement in Sangamon County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

The Architect and the Founder

Photographed by Jason Voigt, September 26, 2020

1. The Architect and the Founder Marker

The title of the marker has faded but still visible from a distance.

Inscription. Landscape architect Jens Jensen was attracted to this site because of its potential - the shoreline of the new lake, the rolling topography, the streams and drainage ways that bisected the area. There were only a few trees on this land when he began his plan. He wanted a space that was as empty as possible so he could fill it with his design. His concept was to create a "living memorial to Lincoln" using plants and trees native to the states where Lincoln had lived. Jensen intended the final version of his plan to be a guide, and he trusted Mrs. Harriet Knudson and her army of volunteers to execute his vision. Jens Jensen is seen here between Mrs. Knudson, Garden founder, and her husband Dr. T.J. Knudson.

Lincoln Memorial Garden is a nonprofit organization supported by memberships, fundraisers, bequests and donations.

Erected by Lincoln Memorial Garden.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Horticulture & Forestry • Parks & Recreational Areas. In addition, it is included in the Jens Jensen series list.

Location. 39° 41.817′ N, 89° 35.908′ W. Marker is in Springfield, Illinois, in Sangamon County. It is in Springfield Lake Shore Improvement.

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It can be reached from East Lake Shore Drive south of Pawnee Road. Marker is on the grounds of Abraham Lincoln Memorial Garden and Nature Center. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2301 E Lake Shore Dr, Springfield IL 62712, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Illinois.

It is also in the American Midwest

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 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Garden Club Volunteers (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Lincoln's Landscape (about 400 feet away); Lincoln Memorial Garden (about 500 feet away); The Edwards Trace (approx. 2½ miles away); Veterans Memorial (approx. 3.8 miles away); Rotary Centennial Sundial Garden (approx. 3.9 miles away); Edwin Watts Southwind Park (approx. 3.9 miles away); Selvaggio Historic Arches (approx. 3.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Springfield.

Also see . . . Lincoln Memorial Garden. Official website for the 100-acre prairie and woodland garden next to Lake Springfield. (Submitted on October 15, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)

Photographed by Jason Voigt, September 26, 2020

2. The Architect and the Founder Marker

Marker is near one of the park's eight council rings

Credits. This page was last revised on December 14, 2024. It was originally submitted on October 15, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 267 times since then and 29 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on October 15, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.