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

In Honor of William Holland

Photographed by Matthew Stevens, July 24, 2026

1. In Honor of William Holland Marker

Inscription. First Settler Washington, Illinois
1825

Erected 1926 by City of Washington and Washington Township.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1825.

Location. 40° 42.197′ N, 89° 24.401′ W. Marker is 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. The marker is located in the southwest corner of Washington Square. This is one of six plaques on the bell monument. This plaque faces northwest. 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

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least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Washington's Bell / Bandstand (here, next to this marker); George Washington (here, next to this marker); Abraham Lincoln (here, next to this marker); Ronald Reagan (here, next to this marker); Civil War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Town & Country Gardeners Recognition (within shouting distance of this marker); Lincoln in Washington (within shouting distance of this marker); Henry F. Ganzhorn (approx. 0.3 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Washington.

Also see . . .
1. Washington Rewind Article - William Holland Memorial Plaque. See this local article describing this historical plaque from the Washington Historical Society.

Excerpt: "In 1926, motivated by the insistent requests of resident Emma J. Scott, the city and township of Washington decided to come together and purchase a bronze tablet of the city’s founder, William Holland..."

(Submitted on July 27, 2026, by Matthew Stevens of Washington, Illinois.)

2. Washington Rewind Article - William Holland's Job as Blacksmith for the Indians. See this local

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

Photographed by Matthew Stevens, July 24, 2026

2. Washington Square Bell Memorial Surroundings

article from the Washington Historical Society detailing William Holland.

Excerpt: "You've heard it before: 'William Holland was a blacksmith for the government.' Let's dig a little deeper and find out exactly what that means..." (Submitted on July 27, 2026, by Matthew Stevens of Washington, Illinois.)

Additional keywords. Tazewell

Credits. This page was last revised on July 28, 2026. It was originally submitted on July 27, 2026, by Matthew Stevens of Washington, Illinois. This page has been viewed 14 times since then. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 27, 2026, by Matthew Stevens of Washington, Illinois. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.