Athens in Menard County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Long Nine Banquet Site
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, October 3, 2014
1. Long Nine Banquet Site Marker
Inscription.
Long Nine Banquet Site. . In this structure, built about 1832, residents of the Athens area held a banquet on August 3, 1837, for the 'Long Nine' - Abraham Lincoln and the other State legislators from Sangamon County. The men, whose height totaled fifty-four feet, were honored for their success in the tenth General Assembly in changing the State Capitol from Vandalia to Springfield. State offices were moved in 1839. At the Athens banquet Lincoln gave a toast: “Sangamon County will ever be true to her best interests and never more so than in reciprocating the good feelings of the citizens of Athens and neighborhood.”
In this structure, built about 1832, residents of the Athens area held a banquet on August 3, 1837, for the 'Long Nine' - Abraham Lincoln and the other State legislators from Sangamon County. The men, whose height totaled fifty-four feet, were honored for their success in the tenth General Assembly in changing the State Capitol from Vandalia to Springfield. State offices were moved in 1839. At the Athens banquet Lincoln gave a toast: “Sangamon County will ever be true to her best interests and never more so than in reciprocating the good feelings of the citizens of Athens and neighborhood.”
Erected 1974 by Long Nine, Inc. and The Illinois State Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Government & Politics. In addition, it is included in the Illinois State Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1832.
Location. 39° 57.605′ N, 89° 43.431′ W. Marker is in Athens, Illinois, in Menard County. Marker is at the intersection of Main Street and Jefferson Street, on the right when traveling north on Main Street. Marker is on the southeast corner. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Athens IL 62613, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Abraham Lincoln, Deputy Surveyor Marker is on the left.
Photographed By Bill Kirchner, October 3, 2014
3. Long Nine Banquet Site
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on November 3, 2014, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 382 times since then and 5 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on November 3, 2014, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Al Wolf was the editor who published this page.
