Springfield Township in Sangamon County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

The Coliseum

Benld, Illinois

Photographed By Jason Voigt, July 6, 2023

1. The Coliseum Marker

Inscription. The Coliseum opened during the Prohibition Era of the 1920's. At 10,000 square feet, it was the largest dance hall between St. Louis and Chicago. Big bands such as Duke Ellington and Lawrence Welk, to stars like Ray Charles, Chuck Berry , The Everly Brothers, Ike and Tina Turner, and even a young Jimi Hendrix once played this dance hall in the Illinois countryside. For nearly nine decades, the Coliseum was utilized. Unfortunately, in 2011 the building was destroyed by a fire.

*Neon Legend is 75% Original Size

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Entertainment. In addition, it is included in the U.S. Route 66 series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 2011.

Location. 39° 49.948′ N, 89° 38.245′ W. Marker is in Springfield, Illinois, in Sangamon County. It is in Springfield Township. Marker can be reached from East Sangamon Avenue west of North Peoria Road (Illinois Route 29). Marker is located at the permanent Route 66 Experience exhibition, on the Illinois State Fairgrounds. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 801 E Sangamon Ave, Springfield IL 62702, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within one mile of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Bel-Air Drive-In (here, next to this marker); Chain of Rocks Motel (here, next to this marker); A. Lincoln Motel

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(here, next to this marker); Route 66 Experience (a few steps from this marker); Chain of Rocks Bridge (within shouting distance of this marker); Illinois - Where The Mother Road Begins! (within shouting distance of this marker); Oak Ridge Cemetery's Original Entrance (approx. one mile away); Reservoir Park and Lanphier High School (approx. 1.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Springfield.

Photographed By Jason Voigt, July 6, 2023

2. The Coliseum Marker

Marker is located at the permanent Route 66 Experience exhibition, on the Illinois State Fairgrounds.

Photographed By Jason Voigt, July 6, 2023

3. The Coliseum Marker

Full shot of the sign, which was recreated by Ace Sign Company.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 12, 2023, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 54 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 12, 2023, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.