Atlanta in Logan County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Atlanta Clock Tower
Photographed by Jason Voigt, February 16, 2026
1. Atlanta Clock Tower Marker
You may recognize this 1909 Seth Thomas clock from the former Atlanta High School. The installation occurred on May 29, 1909 and the 5 original faces ticked along until the early 1980s with the demolition of the school building. In 1979 Atlantans, with the backing of the Atlanta Public Library Board, raised money to "Save the Clock." This succeeded and in 1982, the clock restoration and construction of this 36 foot clock tower was completed. On the backside of the clock tower, peek through the glass window to view the clock's mechanism and gears.
Fun fact - The janitor at Atlanta High School wound the clock. Today, "Keepers of the Clock" wind it weekly.
Erected by City of Atlanta, Illinois.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Landmarks. A significant historical year for this entry is 1909.
Location. 40° 15.621′ N, 89° 13.927′ W. Marker is in Atlanta, Illinois, in Logan County. It can be reached from the intersection of South East Race Street and South West Arch Road, on the right when traveling south. Marker is on the grounds of Atlanta Public Library & Museum. Touch for map. Marker is
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Central Illinois and in Greater Springfield. 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: Bushnell Grist Mill (a few steps from this marker); Atlanta Public Library-Museum (a few steps from this marker); Atlanta Veterans Monument (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Atlanta High School Cornerstone (within shouting distance of this marker); Being the First: African-Americans in Atlanta (within shouting distance of this marker); 1870 Public School Stone (within shouting distance of this marker); "Bubbler" Drinking Fountain (within shouting distance of this marker); Wheels of Fortune on 66 (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map
Photographed by Jason Voigt, February 16, 2026
2. Atlanta Clock Tower Marker
Clock tower is in front of Atlanta Public Library & Museum.
Other markers no longer nearby. Library Clock Tower (was here, next to this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Atlanta High School Cornerstone (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); 1870 Atlanta Public School Stone (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Drinking Fountain (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Credits. This page was last revised on February 20, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 20, 2026, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 50 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on February 20, 2026, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.
