Near East Main Street at Southeast Avenue, on the right when traveling west.
Amboy Illinois
Central Depot
has been placed on the
National Register
of Historic Places
by the United States
Department of the Interior
1876 — — Map (db m209420) HM
On Southeast Avenue north of East Main Street, on the right when traveling north.
On this site on 1854 John T. Pirie and Samuel Carson established the store dealing in ladies' and gentlemen's dress which later developed into Carson Pirie Scott a & Co. — — Map (db m209419) HM
Near East Main Street east of West Street, on the right when traveling west.
One hundred years ago near this location, T.J. Wright and fellow Illinois Central Railroad conductors founded Division No. 1 Conductors Brotherhood later to become The Order of Railway Conductors and Brakemen, the second oldest railway labor . . . — — Map (db m209422) HM
Near East Main Street at Southeast Avenue, on the right when traveling west.
The largest child migration in United States history, also known as "the Orphan Trains",
took place from 1854 to 1929. Originating from the New York ghettos and orphanages,
they came west over the rails. Amboy was a stop on this migration which . . . — — Map (db m209421) HM
On West 1st Street at South Galena Avenue (U.S. 52), on the right when traveling west on West 1st Street.
William J. McAlpine built this, Dixon's first
“skyscraper”, for occupancy by Dixon National
Bank in 1914. During the Depression, Board
Member Charles Walgreen personally
guaranteed all deposits with no loan
foreclosures. In 1992 Dixon National . . . — — Map (db m230682) HM
On South Galena Avenue (U.S. 52) at East 1st Street, on the right when traveling north on South Galena Avenue.
In 1854 E.B. Stiles established the Exchange Bank here, which was replaced by the Lee County Bank in 1865 and later the City National Bank. In 1926 the exterior was rebuilt by William J. McAlpine and would more recently feature additions such as . . . — — Map (db m230774) HM
On South Peoria Avenue south of West 1st Street, on the right when traveling south.
Originally the Rosbrook Livery,
this building has housed a
milliner, an ice cream maker, a
baker, a poulterer, a fruit dealer,
and the Gambles Store.
Rosbrook Hall, a popular social
venue, has occupied the upstairs
since the 1890s. The . . . — — Map (db m230777) HM
On West 1st Street west of South Galena Avenue (U.S. 52), on the right when traveling west.
The third floor of the “Union
Block” served as a meeting hall
for recreational and community
organizations. An early
Walgreen's was briefly at 105,
while the Boynton Richards
Men's Store provided quality
men's clothing and shoes at 107
from . . . — — Map (db m230710) HM
On West 2nd Street at South Hennepin Avenue, on the right when traveling west on West 2nd Street.
Construction of this City Hall, with the City Jail in
its basement, began in 1906. The east half of
the building also housed the Fire Department,
complete with sleeping quarters on the second
floor and a brass pole for sliding down to the
first . . . — — Map (db m230772) HM
On West 1st Street west of South Galena Avenue (U.S. 52), on the right when traveling west.
Four pharmacies have occupied
this building. First Tillison and
Son, then Thomas Sullivan, and
from the 1940s until the 1960s
Joe Villiger, a pharmacist in the
classic style of a Briash
“chemist”, compounded
medicines in house and . . . — — Map (db m230714) HM
On East 1st Street at South Ottawa Avenue, on the left when traveling east on East 1st Street.
Over its history this impressive building has
been the home of the Moose Hall, YMCA, Dixon
Public Library, Preston Funeral Parlor, McLane
Architects, Lee County Health Department, the
American Red Cross, Dixon Water Department,
a driver . . . — — Map (db m230765) HM
On West 1st Street at South Hennepin Avenue, on the left when traveling west on West 1st Street.
A huge downtown fire in 1859 leaped across the street from the north and destroyed the interior of this, one of Dixon's oldest buildings. After it was restored, it was used for many decades for offices, most notably those of F.X. Newcomer real . . . — — Map (db m230771) HM
On West 1st Street east of Peoria Avenue, on the right when traveling east.
Violinist Orville Westgor came to
Dixon in the 1920s to direct the
pit orchestra at the new Dixon
Theatre. He later taught music at
Dixon High School, composed the
DHS Loyalty Song, and
established a general music store
at this location in . . . — — Map (db m230769) HM
On West 1st Street east of Peoria Avenue, on the right when traveling east.
The colorful history of this building includes a
cigar maker, a farm implement store, the Dixon
Sun, a popcorn vendor, the Princess Theatre,
and a shoe repair service. Its best-known
occupant was the Snow White Bakery in
business on the main . . . — — Map (db m230767) HM
On North Hennepin Avenue at Lincoln Statue Drive, on the left when traveling south on North Hennepin Avenue.
Was stationed here during the Black Hawk War in 1832, as captain of volunteers. On April 21, 1832, he enlisted at Richland Creek, Sangamon County, and was elected captain. He was mustered into state service at Beardstown on April 22 and into United . . . — — Map (db m78271) HM
Near Palmyra Street (Illinois Route 2) near Palmyra Road.
[Top tablet:]
In memory of the 241 United States Marines who died in service to their country, in the cause of peace, Beirut, Lebanon, October 28, 1983. The people of the Rock River Valley dedicate this marker and trees throughout the Dixon Park . . . — — Map (db m239055) HM
On East 2nd Street at South Galena Avenue, on the right when traveling west on East 2nd Street.
General Secretary Gorbachev,
if you seek peace--
if you seek prosperity
for the Soviet Union
and Eastern Europe--
if you seek liberalization.
come here, to this gate.
Mr. Gorbachev. Open this gate.
Mr. Gorbachev. Tear down this . . . — — Map (db m78278) HM
On South Hennepin Avenue at 5th Street, on the right when traveling south on South Hennepin Avenue.
The Dixon Historic Center, in Dixon's old South Central School building, celebrates Ronald Reagan's years in Dixon and his attendance at South Central School. Ronald attended sixth and seventh grades in this building. This building has been . . . — — Map (db m78279) HM
On South Galena Avenue south of 2nd Street, on the right when traveling south.
Original wood frame and beaverboard triumphal arch erected for June 12, 1919, celebration honoring Lee County W.W.I veterans and Dixon's Co. C, 123rd Field Artillery, 33rd Prairie Division. Deteriorating arch replaced in 1949 and then again in 1965 . . . — — Map (db m230796) HM
Near Custer Avenue north of West 3rd Street, on the left when traveling north.
This Pool given by the citizens of Dixon, Illinois in Memory of the Men & Women who served in World War II. Erected & Dedicated 1950
Dixon Park District
Edward Vaile, Pres.
Commissioners
Louis Pitcher
John R. McDaniel
Esther M. . . . — — Map (db m70717) HM
On South Hennepin Avenue, on the right when traveling south.
Books which young Ronald Reagan borrowed from the Dixon Public Library helped him shape lifelong values. At nine years of age in 1920 he received card number 3695, becoming a frequent Library visitor and an avid reader throughout his Dixon years. . . . — — Map (db m78275) HM
On Palmyra Street (Illinois Route 2) east of Palmyra Road, on the right when traveling west.
Engine: J-75-P-19W with 26,500 lb. thrust
Speed: Supersonic-Mach 2 at altitude above 36,000 ft.
Maximum range: 2390 miles with max ceiling at 48,500 ft.
Armament:1 20mm M61A1 Vulcan Gatling Gun
with 1028 rounds
or 16-750 lb conventional . . . — — Map (db m239051) HM WM
On South Hennepin Avenue at West 2nd Street, on the right when traveling south on South Hennepin Avenue.
On June 21, 1922, Ronald Reagan, with his brother Neil, was baptized at this church. Ronald and Mother Nelle were active members of the church from 1921 - 1937. Ronald Reagan taught a Sunday school class here. Mother Nelle taught Sunday school, snag . . . — — Map (db m78273) HM
On East 1st Street at Crawford Avenue on East 1st Street.
From the 1890s until the 1920s, vitified paving bricks were the dominant choice of American towns and cities, lifting dirt streets from the deeply rutted and muddy conditions that disgusted shoppers and terrified drivers and their horses. Many . . . — — Map (db m230751) HM
On West 3rd Street at Central Place, on the right when traveling east on West 3rd Street.
This is one of a unique trio of bridges built for the Illinois Central
Rail Road by Robert F. Laing, engineer. The arching stones were cut to
fit from native Galena limestone quarried near Dixon. The first train
carrying passengers and freight on . . . — — Map (db m230779) HM
On West 2nd Street west of Monroe Avenue, on the right when traveling west.
This is one of a unique trio of bridges built for the Illinois Central
Rail Road by Robert F. Laing, engineer. The arching stones were cut to
fit from native Galena limestone quarried near Dixon. The first train
carrying passengers and freight on . . . — — Map (db m230780) HM
On West 1st Street west of Monroe Avenue, on the right when traveling west.
This is one of a unique trio of bridges built for the Illinois Central
Rail Road by Robert F. Laing, engineer. The arching stones were cut to
fit from native Galena limestone quarried near Dixon. The first train
carrying passengers and freight on . . . — — Map (db m230781) HM
Near Palmyra Street (Illinois Route 2) east of Palmyra Road, on the right when traveling west.
Lee County Veterans
Died in service during WWI
Alsman, Lonnie Pvt • Altenberg, Harry Pvt • Bartholomew, Lloyd S.A.T.C. • Bott, Eddie Sgt • Dillow, Frederick Pvt • Doan, Elijah Pvt • Dornblaser, Paul M Cpl • Elliott, Clayton Sgt • Emery, Earl . . . — — Map (db m239053) WM
Near Palmyra Street (Illinois Route 2) east of Palmyra Road, on the right when traveling west.
A veteran is someone who, at one point in his or her life, wrote a blank check made payable to the United States of America for an amount of "up to and including their life!"
Lee County veterans died in service during WWWII
Anderson . . . — — Map (db m239061) WM
On Franklin Grove Road, on the right when traveling west.
On May 12, 1832 Captain Abraham Lincoln's company of Illinois volunteers camped one mile west. Lincoln re-enlisted in two other companies and was frequently in Dixon. Discharged from service near Fort Atkinson, Wisconsin, on July 10, Lincoln passed . . . — — Map (db m78300) HM
On South Ottawa Avenue north of East 2nd Street, on the right when traveling south.
On June 19, 1856, John Fremont was nominated as the first Republican candidate for President. Fremont, who had explored and pioneered the opening of the west, was a former U.S. Senator from California and an open and vocal opponent of slavery, which . . . — — Map (db m78276) HM
Near Palmyra Street (Illinois Route 2) east of Palmyra Road, on the right when traveling west.
In honor of Mothers of WW2, Dixon Unit 123, which operated out of the Loveland Community Building to support all those serving in WW2. Their activities included running a canteen at the bus stop for those troops passing through Dixon, making care . . . — — Map (db m239067) WM
On South Galena Avenue (U.S. 52) south of West 2nd Street, on the right when traveling south.
To commemorate the forming of the
Dixon Hotel Company by an act of the
General Assembly of Illinois.
1837 Foundation begun.
1853 Hotel built and opened for business.
1867 Building enlarged by rough stone
addition, top story and mansard . . . — — Map (db m230795) HM
On Palmyra Street (Illinois Route 2) at Palmyra Road, on the right when traveling west on Palmyra Street.
This anchor was used on many ships and is still used today. It is a salvage anchor. This anchor was used as a stern anchor on LST's (landing ship tank).
As the ship approached the beach, it would drop it's stern anchor into the sea and trail . . . — — Map (db m239108) HM WM
On Lincoln Highway (U.S. 52) at East 2nd Street (Illinois Route 2), on the right when traveling north on Lincoln Highway.
Presented by The Daughters of the Union Veterans of the Civil War in memory of Our Fathers — Veterans of 1861-1865 Dedicated June 14, 1939 — — Map (db m171020) WM
On Reagan Way / South Hennepin Avenue south of West 9th Street, on the right when traveling south.
The Reagan family—Jack, Nelle, and their two sons, Neil (age 12) and Ronald (age 9), moved to Dixon and into this house on December 6, 1920. The boys attended school at South Side School, later known as South Central School, just four blocks . . . — — Map (db m78281) HM
Near East 2nd Street (Illinois Route 2) at South Galena Avenue (U.S. 52), on the right when traveling west.
[Plaque 1]
• The flag of the USSR is shown behind Vladimir Lenin, Russian leader of the Bolsheviks in the 1917 Revolution.
• Soviet soldiers stand in Moscow's Red Square near the Kremlin, seat of the Communist government of the USSR.
• . . . — — Map (db m230799) HM
On South Hennepin Avenue / Reagan Way at West 9th Street, on the right when traveling south on South Hennepin Avenue / Reagan Way.
Hennepin Avenue was often walked by a young Ronald Reagan from home to downtown and back. The street has four landmark institutions that played a vital role in the development of his character. They include the boyhood home, the grade school, now . . . — — Map (db m78280) HM
On East 2nd Street at South Galena Avenue, on the right when traveling west on East 2nd Street.
In 1991 Nick Tanev, an immigrant to the United States from Bulgaria, presented to then Mayor James Dixon and the City of Dixon, the sculpture called “The Wings of Peace and Freedom.” The presentation was made during a sister cities . . . — — Map (db m78277) HM
On Palmyra Street (Illinois Route 2) at Palmyra Road, on the right when traveling west on Palmyra Street.
[On the north-facing side of a granite tablet located in the middle of the park:]
To create...
A place devoted to ALL, who have dedicated their lives to the preservation of the freedoms of this great Country...
A place that through the . . . — — Map (db m239175) WM
Near Palmyra Street (Illinois Route 2) at Palmyra Road, on the right when traveling west.
In memory to these men who gave the ultimate sacrifice. They served their country in a land far away so others could enjoy the freedom we have. We will forever honor their service and dedication.
Leroy Clyde Schaneberg, Ashton IL, . . . — — Map (db m239097) WM
Near South Ottawa Avenue south of East 2nd Street (Illinois Route 2), on the right when traveling south.
[front side] Born in Mt. Carroll, IL on July 5, 1884. Ward (Windy) moved to Dixon at the age of 16 to work at the Brown Shoe Factory. Successful seasons playing for the Dixon Browns baseball team led to opportunities to play minor league . . . — — Map (db m171019) HM
Near North Galena Avenue (U.S. 52) just south of Boyd Street, on the right when traveling south.
1868: The Construction of the Truesdell Bridge
From Dixon’s founding in 1830 until 1846, the only way to cross the river was by boat or by John Dixon’s ferry. From 1846 to 1868, at least eight wooden bridges were built across the Rock . . . — — Map (db m232618) HM
On Lost Nation Road, 1 mile south of South Lost Nation Road, on the right when traveling south.
The first trading post between Fort Dearborn and the Mississippi River stood on the high knoll overlooking Franklin Creek one-third of a mile west of this spot. About 1800-1836. — — Map (db m131910) HM
On Lost Nation Road (County Road 1) 0.5 miles north of Cap Road, on the left when traveling north.
This stone is near the
site of the first cabin
built for
Hon. Joseph Crawford
1835
He was born in Pa. 1811
Died at Dixon Ill. Aug. 11,
1891
Deputy County Surveyor
of North Western Ill.
1836 to 1841
State Representative . . . — — Map (db m173530) HM
On Wheeler Street at Chapman Street, on the right when traveling east on Wheeler Street.
Deep within the Paw Paw Grove, or As-Sim-In-Eh-Kon, Potawatomi Chief Waubonsie and his tribe made their home 1824-1836. At the Treaty of Prairie Du Chien 1829, Madeline Ogee, Potawatomi wife of Joseph Ogee, was granted two sections of land in the . . . — — Map (db m230811) HM
On Chicago Road at Park Avenue, on the right when traveling east on Chicago Road.
The Old Chicago Trail extended from Fort Dearborn to Galena. A government mail route was established along this Indian Trail in 1829. The Potawatomi ceded their territory to the government in 1833. This route became the first east-west stagecoach . . . — — Map (db m199818) HM
