Pekin in Tazewell County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Union League of America
Photographed by Jason Voigt, February 22, 2025
1. Union League of America Marker
Inscription.
Union League of America. . On June 25, 1862, the Union League of America was founded at Pekin, Illinois, to promote patriotism and loyalty to the Union. Its members hoped to counter northern disillusionment with President Lincoln's military policies after early Union defeats in the Civil War. Although closely allied with the Republican Party, the League sought to enroll all Union supporters, regardless of party. The League developed into a statewide and then a national organization. By December, 1863, it claimed 140,000 members in Illinois and almost a million nationwide. After the war, the League councils in the south were concerned with franchising the negro and working for their education.
On June 25, 1862, the Union League of America was founded at Pekin, Illinois, to promote patriotism and loyalty to the Union. Its members hoped to counter northern disillusionment with President Lincoln's military policies after early Union defeats in the Civil War. Although closely allied with the Republican Party, the League sought to enroll all Union supporters, regardless of party. The League developed into a statewide and then a national organization. By December, 1863, it claimed 140,000 members in Illinois and almost a million nationwide. After the war, the League councils in the south were concerned with franchising the negro and working for their education.
Erected 1975 by the Union League Club of Chicago and the Illinois State Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Illinois State Historical Society series list. A significant historical date for this entry is June 25, 1862.
Location. 40° 34.206′ N, 89° 38.899′ W. Marker is in Pekin, Illinois, in Tazewell County. It is at the intersection of Capitol Street and Court Street, on the left when traveling north on Capitol Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 329 Court St, Pekin IL 61554, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in the Illinois River Valley and in Greater Peoria. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 28, 2025. It was originally submitted on February 28, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 133 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos:1, 2. submitted on February 28, 2025, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.
