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

Columns of the Eastern Illinois Trust and Savings Bank

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 30, 2026

1. Columns of the Eastern Illinois Trust and Savings Bank Marker

Inscription. For more than 80 years these massive stone columns flanked the entrance to Eastern Illinois Trust and Savings Bank, one of Kankakee's major banks. Built in 1904 in the 100 block of South Schuyler Avenue, the new bank reflected expansion of the city's business district. It became First Trust and Savings Bank following a merger and was a landmark in the downtown area for many decades. After the building was demolished in the 1980's, the columns were placed in storage until being selected to form the central theme element of this garden.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Horticulture & Forestry • Industry & Commerce • Notable Buildings • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1904.

Location. 41° 6.778′ N, 87° 52.74′ W. Marker is in Kankakee, Illinois, in Kankakee County. It is on South 8th Avenue near Water Street. The marker and garden area are on the grounds of the Kankakee County Museum. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 801 South 8th Avenue, Kankakee IL 60901, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally,

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this marker is in Central Illinois.

It is also in the American Midwest

and in the Corn Belt.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Great Lakes,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in 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: Baker School Bell (within shouting distance of this marker); Central School Bell (within shouting distance of this marker); Taylor One-Room Schoolhouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Memorial Day Order (within shouting distance of this marker); Let Freedom Ring Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); Historical and Arts Building Governor Small Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Governor Len Small (within shouting distance of this marker); History of Bird Park Quarry (approx. half a mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Kankakee.

Regarding Columns of the Eastern Illinois Trust and Savings Bank. Eastern Illinois Trust and Savings Bank

Columns garden image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 30, 2026

2. Columns garden

merged with Municipal Bank in 1980; Municipal still operates today.

Walkway to columns garden image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 30, 2026

3. Walkway to columns garden

Dedication plaque for the column garden image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 30, 2026

4. Dedication plaque for the column garden

The marker says the garden was dedicated in May 2006.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 2, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 1, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 19 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 1, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. 4. submitted on June 2, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.