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

Ronald Reagan

1911-2004

Photographed by Matthew Stevens

1. Ronald Reagan Marker

Inscription.

"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction"

Washington, Illinois was part of the life of President Ronald Wilson Reagan. Reagan is the only President born, raised and educated in Illinois. Beginning in 1928, "Dutch" Reagan moved to Central Illinois while earning his bachelor's degree in economics-sociology at Eureka College. During this period, he spent time in Washington, visiting his friends and passing through on his way home to Dixon.

President Reagan told his Presidential aide, former Washington, Illinois resident, E. Pendleton James, that the traffic entering the Washington square always slowed down so that it is where he went to thumb a ride home to Dixon.

As a stop on the Reagan Trail, the City of Washington continues to celebrate its special connection with Ronald Reagan.

Erected 2012.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Government & Politics • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #40 Ronald Reagan series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1928.

Location. 40° 42.196′ N, 89° 24.4′ W.

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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 southeast. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 104 Peoria 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: Abraham Lincoln (here, next to this marker); George Washington (here, next to this marker); Washington's Bell / Bandstand (here, next to this marker); In Honor of William Holland (here, next to this marker);

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

Photographed by Matthew Stevens, July 24, 2026

2. Washington Square Bell Memorial Surroundings

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); Abraham Lincoln - Eighth Judicial District (approx. 3.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Washington.

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

Photographed by Matthew Stevens, July 24, 2026

3. Washington Square Bell Memorial Fountain View

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 8 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on July 27, 2026, by Matthew Stevens of Washington, Illinois. • Devry Becker Jones was the editor who published this page.