Shawneetown in Gallatin County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Illinois Territory
Photographed By Thomas Smith, October 15, 2022
1. The Illinois Territory was formed Marker
The Illinois Territory was formed in 1809. Its Governor, Ninian Edwards, laid out a district on Sept. 14, 1812 and called it the County of Gallatin. After Albert Gallatin, Secretary of the U.S. Treasury. The county changed size and shape often before its present boundaries were established on Feb. 25, 1847.
Shawneetown received the honor of appointment as the seat of justice. The county seat was moved to Equality in 1827 and returned to Shawneetown in 1852.
In 1857 a courthouse was built with this bell later becoming its distinctive crownpiece. The bell's peal was a familiar part of daily life, celebrating triumphs, tolling tidings, announcing meetings, warning of fire and floods.
The building was razed in 1939, when the town was moved, and the bell was placed atop the new courthouse. There it sat unnoticed until removed Aug. 1989 and placed here as a memorial.
Erected by Gallatin County Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Communications • Government & Politics • Political Subdivisions • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Historic Bells series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1809.
Location. 37° 43.01′
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. You Are Not Forgotten (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Veterans Memorial (about 300 feet away); Shawneetown Veterans Memorial (about 300 feet away); James Harrison Wilson (approx. ¼ mile away); General Michael K. Lawler (approx. ¼ mile away); Black History of Shawneetown, IL (approx. 0.3 miles away); The Spirit of Shawneetown (approx. 3.1 miles away); General Logan's Marriage (approx. 3.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Shawneetown.
Photographed By Thomas Smith, October 8, 2022
2. The Illinois Territory Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on November 25, 2022. It was originally submitted on November 18, 2022, by Thomas Smith of Waterloo, Ill. This page has been viewed 85 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on November 18, 2022, by Thomas Smith of Waterloo, Ill. 2. submitted on November 18, 2022. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.
