New Lenox in Will County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

American Patriotism on the Highway

Illinois Lincoln Highway

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, July 19, 2025

1. American Patriotism on the Highway Marker

Inscription. Popularity of the Lincoln Highway was widespread among various organizations, at every level from national to civic as well as non-for-profits entities. Many groups supported the Lincoln Highway with projects and events in an effort to continue growth and development of the highway and as a way to show their patriotism. Two national organizations to get involved with promoting the highway were the Grand Army of the Republic and the Daughters of the American Revolution.

The national organization of woman known as the Daughters of the American Revolution were dedicated to promoting historic preservation, education, and patriotism. At about the same time they announced their intention to plant floral flags in city parks and on public and private properties on or near The Lincoln Highway all across the country.

[Caption beneath the photo:]
This 1892 image of founders and chapter members meeting for the First Continental Congress of the Daughters of the American Revolution is courtesy the DAR.

The Grand Army of the Republic was a fraternal organization, composed of veterans of the Union Army who had served in the American
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Civil War. In 1916, their auxilliary group, the Women's Relief Corps, carried out a campaign to provide every schoolhouse in the nation located along the Lincoln Highway with a standard size American flag.

[Caption beneath the photo:]
Image of the 1918 Grand Army of the Republic officers courtesy of the Library of Congress

Erected by Illinois Lincoln Highway Coalition.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Patriots & Patriotism • Roads & Vehicles • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR), the Lincoln Highway, and the The Grand Army of the Republic series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1892.

Location. 41° 30.694′ N, 87° 55.788′ W. Marker is in New Lenox, Illinois, in Will County. It is on Lincoln Highway 0.1 miles west of Schoolhouse Road, on the right when traveling west. The marker is one of four under a gazebo in front of Lincoln-Way Central High School. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1801 East Lincoln Highway, New Lenox IL 60451, United

The Lincoln Highway gazebo in front of Lincoln-Way Central HS image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, July 19, 2025

2. The Lincoln Highway gazebo in front of Lincoln-Way Central HS

The gazebo overlooks Lincoln Highway (U.S. 30) in New Lenox, about 40 miles (by car) southwest of Chicago.

States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Greater Chicago.

It is also in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

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 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Original Lincoln Highway Marker (here, next to this marker); Village of New Lenox (here, next to this marker); Advertising Across America's Roadways (here, next to this marker); The Lincoln Highway (here, next to this marker); Veterans Memorial (approx. ¾ mile away); Old Brick Tavern (approx. 0.8 miles away); Ronald "Papa" Schaper (approx. one mile away); a different marker also named The Village of New Lenox (approx. 1.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in New Lenox.

More about this marker. The gazebo, which houses four historical markers, is one of 16 that were erected by the Illinois Lincoln Highway Coalition along the roadway's

Lincoln Highway gazebo image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, July 19, 2025

3. Lincoln Highway gazebo

An original Lincoln Highway marker is to the left of the gazebo, which houses four historical markers about the Lincoln Highway.

179 miles in the state. An original highway marker, erected by Boy Scouts in 1928, sits next to the gazebo.

Also see . . . Lincoln Highway in Illinois. (Submitted on July 20, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)

Eagle Scout refurbishment plaque image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, July 19, 2025

4. Eagle Scout refurbishment plaque

A 2023 project by Eagle Scout Jack McDonnell refurbished the area around the Lincoln Highway markers in front of Lincoln-Way Central High School.

Lincoln-Way Central High School image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, July 19, 2025

5. Lincoln-Way Central High School

The gazebo and markers are in front of the high school.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 20, 2025. It was originally submitted on July 20, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 79 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 20, 2025, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.