Sparta in Randolph County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Grand American
Photographed By Thomas Smith, August 12, 2023
1. The Grand American Marker
In 1924 the Grand was held in Vandalia, Ohio where it remained for 82 years.
In 2006 Sparta, Illinois hosted its first Grand. This sculpture was completed by Fred Hoppe to commemorate the 100th Grand American held in 1999.
Erected 1999.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Sports.
Location. 38° 11.25′ N, 89° 45.277′ W. Marker is in Sparta, Illinois, in Randolph County. Marker is on Main Event Lans, 0.1 miles Randolph Co. Hwy 13, on the right when traveling south. World Shooting and Recreational Complex. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1 Main Event Lane, Sparta IL 62286, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. John and Lena Hotz (approx. 3˝ miles away); Marissa Academy (approx. 3.7 miles away); Dedicated to Coal Miners of Southern Illinois (approx. 3.7 miles away); Veterans Memorial (approx. 3.7 miles away); This Memorial is Dedicated in Honor and Memory (approx. 4˝ miles away); World War II Memorial (approx. 4.6 miles away); Sparta Revolutionary War Memorial (approx. 4.7 miles away); In Honor of Veterans of All Wars (approx. 4.9 miles away).
Also see . . .
this page online
Overview: Debuting in 1900 at the Interstate Park in Queens, New York, the Grand American was originally a four-day tournament contested in June. For the next 20 plus years the Grand American was staged in cities such as Chicago, St. Louis and Columbus until it made its home in Vandalia, Ohio from 1923 until 2005.(Submitted on August 20, 2023.)
In 2006, the Grand American moved to its new home at the World Shooting and Recreational Complex in Sparta, IL. This state of the art facility features 120 trap fields extending for 3.5 miles making it the worlds largest trap line. To find out more about the WSRC please visit their website.
Since its inception, the Grand American has grown from a mere 20 competitors in 1900 to more than 5,800 participants in 2006. Over the years, the likes of Annie Oakley, Roy Rogers and John Philip Sousa have participated in the Grand American.
Photographed By Thomas Smith, August 12, 2023
2. The Grand American Statue and Marker
Photographed By Thomas Smith, August 12, 2023
3. The Grand American Staue and Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on August 20, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 15, 2023, by Thomas Smith of Waterloo, Ill. This page has been viewed 61 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 15, 2023, by Thomas Smith of Waterloo, Ill. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.
