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

Washington's Bell
⎯⎯⎯
Bandstand

Photographed by Matthew Stevens, July 24, 2026

1. Washington's Bell / Bandstand Marker

Inscription.
Washington's Bell
This is the town's original fire bell, which was rung for fires and curfews. It was mounted over the water tower on the southeast corner of the square.

In 1975 the Washington volunteer fire department members brought the bell out of storage and constructed a monument in front of city hall, which honored the Washington fire fighters and Washington History.

Bandstand
The original bandstand was constructed in the late 19th century over a city well and was replaced in 1925 with a brick bandstand.

In 1926 the hitching posts and railings were taken down and replaced with a wall to separate traffic from the square area. After the bandstand was partially destroyed in 1959, it was torn down and replaced by a fountain.

This monument is built with brick pavers from Washington streets and the limestone is from the George Baylor home which was located on Jefferson Street.

Erected 2012.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Parks & Recreational Areas. A significant historical year for this entry is 1975.

Location. 40° 42.197′ N, 89° 24.4′ W. Marker is

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in Washington, Illinois, in Tazewell County. It is at the intersection of Washington Square (Business U.S. 24) and South Main Street, in the median on Washington Square. Marker is located in the southwest corner of Washington Square. This is one of six plaques on the bell monument. This plaque faces north. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 S Main St, Washington IL 61571, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Illinois River Valley

and in Greater Peoria.

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: In Honor of William Holland (here, next to this marker); George Washington (here, next to this marker); Ronald Reagan (here, next to this marker); Abraham Lincoln (here, next to this marker); Civil War Memorial (within

Washington Square Bell Monument Surroundings image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Matthew Stevens, July 24, 2026

2. Washington Square Bell Monument Surroundings

shouting distance of this marker); Town & Country Gardeners Recognition (within shouting distance of this marker); Lincoln in Washington (within shouting distance of this marker); Abraham Lincoln - Eighth Judicial District (approx. 3.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Washington.

Washington Square Bell Monument Fountain View image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Matthew Stevens, July 24, 2026

3. Washington Square Bell Monument Fountain View

Credits. This page was last revised on July 28, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 26, 2026, by Matthew Stevens of Washington, Illinois. This page has been viewed 13 times since then. Photos: 1. submitted on July 26, 2026, by Matthew Stevens of Washington, Illinois. 2, 3. submitted on July 27, 2026, by Matthew Stevens of Washington, Illinois. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.

Washington's Bell⎯⎯⎯Bandstand

Washington's Bell
⎯⎯⎯
Bandstand