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

Pendergast Inn

Photographed by Matthew Stevens, August 16, 2026

1. Pendergast Inn Marker

Inscription.
In 1837, James Pendergast bought this lot in Mackinaw at what was then the intersection of Monroe and Market Streets. In 1843, he began hauling lumber from Pekin for an addition to the existing home, which when completed would become a one and a half story, five bedroom rough oak log building with black walnut trim, pine flooring, and a 13" thick brick basement. The Pendergast Inn served as an inn, tavern, and stagecoach stop between Bloomington and Peoria. Notable people staying at the inn included Stephen Douglas, Governor James Oglesby, and Abraham Lincoln. Lincoln once held legal hearings in the southwest room of the first floor. In 1860, a Lincoln rally held at the inn brought hundreds to this spot, with guests sleeping in chairs and on the floor as all the beds were utilized. James Pendergast passed away on May 10, 1849. James, Elizabeth and Elisha are all buried in Mackinaw Township Cemetery. The Pendergast Inn was then transferred to Elizabeth's daughter Mary L. Pendergast Campbell (1844-1907) and then Mary's daughter Ida Campbell (1865-1928) who used it as an art studio. Ida Campbell taught art classes in the building

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in drawing, painting, and ceramics. Her younger sister, May C. Campbell James (1871-1958), became the last direct descendent to own the property following Ida Campbell's death. The Pendergast Inn was torn down in the 1950s.

Erected 2026 by the Village of Mackinaw, Tazewell County Genealogical & Historical Society, and the Illinois State Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Roads & Vehicles • Women. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #16 Abraham Lincoln, and the Illinois State Historical Society series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1837.

Location. 40° 32.229′ N, 89° 21.639′ W. Marker is in Mackinaw, Illinois, in Tazewell County. It is at the intersection of North Monroe Street and West Fast Avenue (County Highway 23), on the right when traveling north on North Monroe Street. This marker is located in between the sidewalk and street facing west. It is about 50 feet north of West Fast Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Mackinaw IL 61755, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally,

Pendergast Inn Marker Right View image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Matthew Stevens, August 16, 2026

2. Pendergast Inn Marker Right View

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 12 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Allentown Union Hall (approx. 2.3 miles away); Tremont Courthouse (approx. 6.9 miles away); William E. Aupperle Rotary Marker (approx. 7½ miles away); Illinois Remembers POW/MIA (approx. 8 miles away); Henry F. Ganzhorn (approx. 11.4 miles away); Glendale Cemetery Veterans Memorial (approx. 11½ miles away); Ronald Reagan (approx. 11.7 miles away); Abraham Lincoln (approx. 11.7 miles away).

Pendergast Inn Marker Left Side image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Matthew Stevens, August 16, 2026

3. Pendergast Inn Marker Left Side

Photo of the marker taken to its left with Monroe Street to the right

Credits. This page was last revised on August 18, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 16, 2026, by Matthew Stevens of Washington, Illinois. This page has been viewed 20 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on August 16, 2026, by Matthew Stevens of Washington, Illinois. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.