Plainfield in Will County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Village of Plainfield
A Suburban Showcase
— Lincoln Highway —
Plainfield is reported to be the oldest community in Will County, situated along the DuPage River it quickly became a summer suburban vacation spot for much of northern Illinois. Before automobile travel on the Lincoln Highway became the preferred mode of transportation, interurban railroads were established such as the Aurora, Plainfield & Joliet Railroad. This electric rail line served to further boost Plainfield's own transportation system and connected the three communities.
To promote travel and encourage weekend travel to the area, the Aurora, Plainfield & Joliet Railroad opened Electric Park to the public in 1904. The fabulous park offered lavish gardens flanking the banks of the DuPage River, as well as athletic grounds, bandstands, dancing pavilions and the 5,000 seat auditorium featuring a large pipe organ. Cabins featuring electric, gas and water service were also available to the vacationer.
The Village of Plainfield remained easily accessible to Lincoln Highway travelers and continued to grow and prosper; developing into the county's fastest growing community at the time.
Throughout the nation parks that were accessible by interurban rail lines were a popular destination for weekend entertainment. Over time with the emergence of paved roads there was less need for interurban transportation. This caused financial hardship for the electric line and Electric Park closed in 1932.
While Traveling the Lincoln Highway...
• Lincoln Highway Interpretive Murals now in Creston, DeKalb and Rochelle with forty more planned along the highway.
• Lincoln Highway Interpretive Exhibit is located in the Dixon Welcome Center.
• Lincoln Highway's First Concrete Mile, the Seedling Mile, is located in Malta.
• Interactive Kiosk in Aurora, check web site for location.
Check the web site for locations of the Lincoln Highway Traveling Exhibit.
www.drivelincolnhighway.com
The Interpretive Gazebo Project was partially funded through a National Scenic Byway Grant from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), with support from the Village of Plainfield. The project was coordinated by the Illinois Lincoln Highway Coalition, the management agency for the Illinois Lincoln Highway National Scenic Byway. Grant funds were provided to tell the history and heritage of the Lincoln Highway in Illinois and stories of our corridor communities.
Images provided by Debra Olsen
Erected by Illinois Lincoln Highway Coalition.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Entertainment • Railroads & Streetcars • Roads & Vehicles. In addition, it is included in the Lincoln Highway series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1904.
Location. 41° 36.493′ N, 88° 12.713′ W. Marker is in Plainfield, Illinois, in Will County. Marker is at the intersection of Lockport Street (Illinois Route 126) and Wood Farm Road, on the left when traveling west on Lockport Street. Marker kiosk is in Settlers' Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 24401 Lockport Street, Plainfield IL 60544, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. The Lincoln Highway - The nation's first coast-to-coast highway! (here, next to this marker); Interurban Transportation (here, next to this marker); Great American Crossroads in Illinois (here, next to this marker); E J & E Depot No. 4 (within shouting distance of this marker); Boxcars (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Caboose (about 300 feet away); Electric Park (about 600 feet away); Brownson-Martin House (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Plainfield.
Also see . . .
1. Village of Plainfield. Village website homepage (Submitted on July 31, 2021, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
2. Drive the Historic Illinois Lincoln Highway. Trips Into History website entry (Submitted on April 25, 2016, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
3. The Lincoln Highway Association. Association website homepage (Submitted on April 25, 2016, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
4. Interurban Railways Outside Chicago. Chicago Railfan entry (Submitted on April 25, 2016, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
Credits. This page was last revised on September 22, 2021. It was originally submitted on April 24, 2016, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 403 times since then and 26 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on April 25, 2016, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 2, 3. submitted on April 24, 2016, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. • J. J. Prats was the editor who published this page.