Monmouth in Warren County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Public Square / Central Park

Public Square side of marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, July 7, 2023

1. Public Square side of marker

Inscription. Public Square Laid out in 1836, the Public Square was the original center of Monmouth, with the city limits extending outward one-half mile in each direction. Before the square was graded and sidewalks laid in 1862, prairie grass often grew so tall that one could not see from one side to the other.

Central Park The circle in the middle of the Public Square was created in 1881 in a effort to deal with the growing problem of horse traffic congestion and mud. An iron rail, for hitching horses, originally surrounded the park. In 1892, the street around the park was paved in brick and the following year, trees were planted.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Parks & Recreational Areas • Roads & Vehicles. A significant historical year for this entry is 1881.

Location. 40° 54.716′ N, 90° 38.895′ W. Marker is in Monmouth, Illinois, in Warren County. Marker is at the intersection of Main Street and Broadway on Main Street. Marker is within the traffic circle. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Monmouth IL 61462, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 7 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Monmouth Rotary Club (a few steps from this marker); Stephen A. Douglas in Monmouth (within shouting distance of this marker); Joseph Smith Trial / Soldier Monument

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

(within shouting distance of this marker); Monmouth 1850-1930 (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Founding of Pi Beta Phi Fraternity (approx. ¼ mile away); Wyatt Earp Birthplace (approx. 0.3 miles away); a different marker also named Wyatt Earp Birthplace (approx. 1½ miles away).

Central Park side of marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, July 7, 2023

2. Central Park side of marker

Public Square / Central Park Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Duane and Tracy Marsteller, July 7, 2023

3. Public Square / Central Park Marker

Featured marker is on the right.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 2, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 2, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 42 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 2, 2023, by Duane and Tracy Marsteller of Murfreesboro, Tennessee.