Near McClure in Alexander County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Welcome to Illinois
Permanent American settlers began arriving at the state's southwestern tip in 1805. Earthquakes rocked the Mississippi Valley in 1811 bringing refugees here in search of new homesites. After the War of 1812, another wave of settlers came, some bringing slaves. The newcomers raised cotton, flax, and tobacco. Later, they raised corn and wheat.
Northeast of here, at Jonesboro, Abraham Lincoln debated Stephen Douglas during the 1858 Senatorial campaign. During the Civil War, Cairo served as a major staging base where men and supplies were assembled before departing for the war zones. Mound City on the Ohio River was the principal depot for the western river fleet. Nearby is Thebes, once a bustling river port. The town declined when railroads replaced the steamboats, but the beautiful 1848 courthouse still stands. Nowadays, tourists and hunters are drawn to "Egypt" -- Illinois sixteen southernmost counties -- by the beauty of the Shawnee Forest and wildlife at Horseshoe Lake.
Erected 1983 by The Illinois Department of Transportation and the Illinois State Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • Settlements & Settlers • War of 1812 • War, French and Indian. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #16 Abraham Lincoln, and the Illinois State Historical Society series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1673.
Location. 37° 18.373′ N, 89° 26.889′ W. Marker is near McClure, Illinois, in Alexander County. Marker is on Bunch Road west of Illinois Route 3, on the right when traveling south. Marker is located in a roadside park off Illinois Rtes 3 & 146. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 32228 Bunch Rd, Mc Clure IL 62957, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Reflecting the River (approx. 3.8 miles away in Missouri); Pook's Turtles (approx. 3.8 miles away in Missouri); "Red Rover, Red Rover" (approx. 3.8 miles away in Missouri); 1673 (approx. 3.8 miles away in Missouri); 1735 (approx. 3.8 miles away in Missouri); Justice for the Common Man (approx. 3.8 miles away in Missouri); 1793 (approx. 3.8 miles away in Missouri); 1803 (approx. 3.8 miles away in Missouri).
More about this marker. Throughout the 1980's, the ISHS put up some "Welcome to Illinois" markers at various places near the border at certain points along major highways. This is one that is not linked to a U.S. Highway.
Credits. This page was last revised on November 29, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 29, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 281 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 29, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.