Drinking Fountain

Photographed by Jason Voigt, September 28, 2020

1. Drinking Fountain Marker

Inscription.
This is one of four drinking fountains installed by the City of Atlanta in May of 1934. The fountains were located at the corners of Arch & Race Streets, Arch & Vine Streets, Vine & 1st Streets, and 1st & Race Streets. Upon the occasion, the Atlanta Argus reported, "A thirsty public appreciates the convenience." Local old timers recall that older boys would sometimes pick up a young lad and seat him on top of the bubbling fountain.

These were not the first fountains located in downtown Atlanta. Forty years earlier, in May of 1894, the Argus noted, "New water fountains for man and beast have been installed" in downtown Atlanta.

Erected by Atlanta, Illinois.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1934.

Location. This marker has been replaced by another marker nearby. It was located near 40° 15.64′ N, 89° 13.919′ W. Marker was in Atlanta, Illinois, in Logan County. It could be reached from the intersection of South East Race Street and Southwest Arch Street. Marker is located at Atlanta's Route 66 Park, with several other markers. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 105 S E Race St, Atlanta IL 61723, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker was in Central Illinois

and in Greater Springfield.

It was also in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it was in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it found 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

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distance of this location: "Bubbler" Drinking Fountain (here, next to this marker); Wheels of Fortune on 66 (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named Field Marker Stone (a few steps from this marker); Being the First: African-Americans in Atlanta (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Knights of Pythias "Memorial Tree" Stone (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Atlanta High School Cornerstone (a few steps from this marker); 1870 Public School Stone (a few steps from this marker); Midway on Illinois's Mother Road Mural (a few steps from this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Atlanta.

Other markers no longer nearby. Field Marker Stone (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Welcome to the Atlanta Route 66 Park (was a few steps from this marker but has been confirmed missing); Knights of Pythias "Memorial Tree" Stone (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Atlanta High School Cornerstone (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); 1870 Atlanta Public School Stone (was a few steps

Photographed by Jason Voigt, September 28, 2020

2. Drinking Fountain Marker

Next to an actual drinking fountain from the era mentioned on the marker

from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); "Atlanta: Midway on Illinois' Mother Road" Mural (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

More about this marker. Marker was later replaced with this one.

Route 66 Park image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Jason Voigt, September 28, 2020

3. Route 66 Park

"Drinking Fountain" marker is located here, along with several local pieces of history.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 20, 2026. It was originally submitted on November 25, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 340 times since then and 21 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 25, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.