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

Selvaggio Historic Arches

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., May 26, 2026

1. Selvaggio Historic Arches Marker

Inscription.

In 1899, the city of Springfield acquired arches from the magnificent Columbian Exposition in Chicago, Illinois and installed them for the purpose of decorating the Springfield downtown for community events and as an attraction for state fair visitors. Adorned with many incandescent lights, bunting and flags, the arches were a popular attraction until removed in 1921.

Through careful research and design, the Selvaggio family led the progressive recreation of this historic Springfield feature. The arches provide a unique destination for park visitors to enjoy the colorful light show synchronized to a variety of inspiring music.

Erected by Springfield Park District.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Man-Made Features • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1899.

Location. 39° 43.933′ N, 89° 39.377′ W. Marker is in Springfield, Illinois, in Sangamon County. It can be reached from South 2nd Street. Marker and arches are in Southwind Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 4965 South 2nd Street, Springfield IL 62703, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Illinois.

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 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Edwin Watts Southwind Park (within shouting distance of this marker);

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

Rotary Centennial Sundial Garden (within shouting distance of this marker); Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away); Cozy Dog Drive In (approx. 2.1 miles away); Cozy Dog Drive In, Springfield, Illinois (approx. 2.1 miles away); Springfield, Illinois (approx. 2.1 miles away); Springfield Home for the Friendless / Family Service Center (approx. 3.8 miles away); The Architect and the Founder (approx. 3.9 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Springfield.

Another marker is no longer nearby. Historic Route 66 Illinois (was approx. 2.1 miles away but has been replaced with another marker now near it).

Selvaggio Historic Arches and Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., May 26, 2026

2. Selvaggio Historic Arches and Marker

Selvaggio Historic Arches image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., May 26, 2026

3. Selvaggio Historic Arches

Selvaggio Historic Arches Detail image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., May 26, 2026

4. Selvaggio Historic Arches Detail

Selvaggio Historic Arches Safety Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., May 26, 2026

5. Selvaggio Historic Arches Safety Marker

Selvaggio Historic Arches Sponsors Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by William Fischer, Jr., May 26, 2026

6. Selvaggio Historic Arches Sponsors Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 17, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 14, 2026, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. This page has been viewed 6 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on June 14, 2026, by William Fischer, Jr. of Reynoldsburg, Ohio.