Atlanta in Logan County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Atlanta Public Library-Museum
Photographed by Larry Senalik, June 10, 2012
1. Atlanta Public Library-Museum Marker
The Atlanta public library was founded in 1873 by public spirited citizens who realized the importance of books. In 1973, the museum was added for the purpose of preserving Atlanta's heritage. In 1979, this octagonal structure was listed on the National Register of Historical Places. Atlanta, founded in 1853 as Xenia, had Logan County's first bank in 1854. Abraham Lincoln traveled throughout this area and was well known by several of Atlanta's pioneer families. Lincoln attended the July 4, 1859 picnic at Turner's grove on the southeast edge of Atlanta and was presented a gold-handled cane by Sylvester Strong. In 1860, the initial Wide-Awake group supportive of Lincoln's presidential bid was organized in Atlanta. Lincoln's friends fired thirty-three cannon rounds when they heard the news of his nomination.
Erected 1983 by Friends of Historical Atlanta, Atlanta Rotary & Lions Clubs, and the Logan County Tourism Committee.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. In addition, it is included in the Illinois State Historical Society, and the Rotary International series
this page online
Location. 40° 15.62′ N, 89° 13.937′ W. Marker is in Atlanta, Illinois, in Logan County. It is at the intersection of South East Race Street and South West Arch Street, on the left when traveling north on South East Race Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 100 S E Race St, Atlanta IL 61723, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Central Illinois and in Greater Springfield. 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 walking distance of this marker: Bushnell Grist Mill (here, next to this marker); Atlanta Clock Tower (a few steps from this marker); Atlanta Veterans Monument (a few steps from this marker); a different marker also named Atlanta High School Cornerstone (within shouting distance of this marker); "Bubbler" Drinking Fountain
Photographed by Larry Senalik, June 10, 2012
2. Atlanta Public Library-Museum Marker
Other markers no longer nearby. Library Clock Tower (was a few steps from this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Atlanta High School Cornerstone (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); Drinking Fountain (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it); 1870 Atlanta Public School Stone (was within shouting distance of this marker but has been replaced with another marker now near it).
Credits. This page was last revised on February 20, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 12, 2012, by Larry Senalik of Pleasant Plains, Illinois. This page has been viewed 798 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 12, 2012, by Larry Senalik of Pleasant Plains, Illinois. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
