Oswego in Kendall County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Oswego, Illinois

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 3, 2025

1. Oswego, Illinois Marker

Inscription. The Boy Scouts of America completed the monumental task of simultaneously placing more than 3,000 Lincoln Highway Markers across the nation on September 1, 1928. The concrete markers were designed to immortalize the highway dream and as a memorial to Abraham Lincoln. A careful plan required Scout troops along the route to carry out their part of the project upon an official signal from the Boy Scouts New York headquarters. These iconic markers were set from coast-to-coast in one day. Even troops in towns that were located miles from the highway volunteered their help.

Erected by Illinois Lincoln Highway Commission.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #16 Abraham Lincoln, and the Lincoln Highway series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is September 1, 1928.

Location. 41° 41.04′ N, 88° 21.151′ W. Marker is in Oswego, Illinois, in Kendall County. It is on Main Street north of Washington Street (U.S. 34), on the right when traveling

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south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 67 Main Street, Oswego IL 60543, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Chicago.

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.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Veterans Memorial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Oswego Girl Scouts Clock (about 500 feet away); War of 1812 (about 500 feet away); Spanish-American War (about 500 feet away); Gulf War (about 500 feet away); American Revolutionary War (about 500 feet away); World War II (about 500 feet away); Vietnam Conflict (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Oswego.

Regarding Oswego, Illinois. Lincoln Highway does not actually cut through downtown Oswego, and it only briefly traverses Kendall County, in its northeastern corner

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 3, 2025

2. Oswego, Illinois Marker

The sign is on the side of the building that currently houses Happenstance Goods, an antiques store.

about four miles northeast of this marker.

Also see . . .
1. Lincoln Highway Association: Those Marvelous Memorial Markers.

Excerpt: "On September 1, 1928 at 9:00 AM, the markers were placed by Boy Scout troops, all across the country. (Since the markers weigh over 220 pounds each, it is likely that parents helped out on the project.) In the sparsely populated western states, county highway crews placed the markers at a later date. 2,436 markers were actually placed, the position of each marker was determined by a plan laid out by Gael Hoag, Field Secretary of the Lincoln Highway Association. It is assumed that extras were cast as replacements or set aside for future route improvements. No one seems to know what happened to the extra markers."

(Submitted on May 4, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

2. Enjoy Illinois: Illinois Lincoln Highway Interpretive Mural - Oswego.

Excerpt: "The Illinois Lincoln Highway Coalition has produced a series of 35 Interpretive Murals that are installed along the Illinois Lincoln Highway National Scenic Byway and its corridor in over two dozen communities. Each mural
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 3, 2025

3. Downtown Oswego
depicts the history, heritage and events of the highway and its impact on American travel."

(Submitted on May 4, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

Credits. This page was last revised on May 4, 2025. It was originally submitted on May 4, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 198 times since then and 30 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 4, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.