In
1680
upon this spot stood
Fort Crevecœur
built from the plans of
Robert Cavelier Sieur de La Salle
Here was centered the hope of
Louis XIV
for a broader empire of the French
on American soil
From here in 1680 went forth . . . — — Map (db m220305) HM
Near Riverside Drive, on the right when traveling west.
Ferries provided the earliest transportation across the river. In 1849, a toll bridge was completed across the river in the area of the Michel Bridge to your left.
The Franklin Street Draw Bridge began operation in 1912. It was replaced by the . . . — — Map (db m220195) HM
Near Riverside Drive, on the right when traveling west.
You are standing on the site of Wallace Station, a coal-fired power-generating plant operated by Central Illinois Light Company (CILCO).
The facility provided electricity to an area centered around Peoria. The plant began operating in 1925 and at . . . — — Map (db m220190) HM
Near Riverside Drive, on the right when traveling west.
The Peoria riverfront reflects the development of this area from its earliest days.
Still visible are the 1899 Rock Island Railroad station, warehouses, banks and commercial buildings. The gazebo with flags commemorates the 75th anniversary of . . . — — Map (db m220186) HM
On Riverside Drive west of Bass Pro Drive, on the left when traveling west.
[Main monument]
Dedicated to all men and women
wounded in all our wars
My stone is red for
the blood they shed.
The medal I bear
is my country's way
to show they care.
If I could be seen
by all mankind
maybe peace will . . . — — Map (db m220217) WM
Near Riverside Drive, on the right when traveling west.
The first passenger train came to Peoria in November 1854 on what became known as the Rock Island line. By 1920, Peoria had 15 railroads offering freight and passenger service from three railway stations and more than 100 trains a day through the . . . — — Map (db m220211) HM
Near Riverside Drive, on the right when traveling west.
The Illinois River served as the first highway through this area, bringing the earliest settlers, whether by canoe, or dugout, longboat or flatboat. Beginning in 1829, steamboats increased the flow of passengers and goods. Just south of here, the . . . — — Map (db m220210) HM
On North Monroe Street at West Fast Avenue (County Highway 23), on the right when traveling north on North Monroe Street.
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 . . . — — Map (db m308465) HM
On East Jefferson Street west of North First Avenue, on the left when traveling east.
The Interurban Railway began operation in Morton in 1907. Its depot was built at the corner of First & Jefferson to carry passengers through Morton. Grant Conibear, a Tazewell County supervisor said, it helped "Lift Morton right out of the mud". . . . — — Map (db m311363) HM
On Pershing Street at W Jefferson Street, on the right when traveling west on Pershing Street.
Morton Pottery was founded in 1922 by the sons of Andrew Rapp Sr.: Andrew Jr., Henry, William, Samuel, Solomon, and Nathan. The company produced many unique kitchenware, utilitarian and decorative ceramic items including ashtrays for Everett . . . — — Map (db m311361) HM
On West Jefferson Street west of South Main Street, on the left when traveling west.
This bell was located in Morton's original Village Hall located here at 108 W. Jefferson. Built in 1885, the wooden frame Village Hall included Council Chambers, Justice of the Peace office, the jail, and storage for the fire hoses and wagon. At . . . — — Map (db m311368) HM
On West Birchwood Street, on the right when traveling west.
William E. Aupperle, rotarian designed and built this structure donated by the Morton Rotarians in 1976.
Dedicated to his memory 1901-1986 — — Map (db m309395) HM
On Court Street at South Capitol Street, on the right when traveling east on Court Street.
One of 175 Civil War regiments that gave African-American men the
chance to fight for the Union, the 29th U.S. Colored Infantry was
organized April 24, 1864, and dismissed Nov. 6, 1865. With 2072 men from
Illinois, Missouri and Wisconsin, it was . . . — — Map (db m253003) HM
On North 2nd Street (Illinois Route 29) at Margaret Street ( Route 9), on the right when traveling south on North 2nd Street.
The manufacture of organs was begun by John L. Hinners in 1879. The first work shop was in an upstairs room at 341 Court Street. Through the years there were partners in business: J.J. Fink 1881-1885, U.J. Albertsen 1895-1902. The business was . . . — — Map (db m267238) HM
Near Court Street east of North 4th Street, on the left when traveling east.
Nance Legins-Costley of Pekin and her three eldest children were the first
enslaved persons Abraham Lincoln helped free. Nance was born in 1818 into
indentured servitude in Kaskaskia, Illinois Territory. She was sold in 1827 in
Springfield to . . . — — Map (db m253036) HM
Near Court Street east of North 4th Street, on the left when traveling east.
William Henry ‘Bill’ Costley was the oldest son of Benjamin and Nance (Legins)
Costley and was born 1840 in Pekin. Born into indentured servitude with his two
older sisters Amanda and Eliza Jane, they and their mother had their freedom
confirmed . . . — — Map (db m253035) HM
On North Front Street north of Court Street, on the right when traveling north.
On July 5, 1918, the steamboat Columbia sank upstream
from this spot near what was then Wesley City. What began
as one of the season's premier social events ended in tragedy.
The Pekin South Side Social Club sponsored the . . . — — Map (db m253050) HM
On Capitol Street at Court Street, on the left when traveling north on Capitol Street.
On June 25, 1862, the Union League of America was founded at Pekin, Illinois, to promote patriotism and loyalty to the Union. Its members hoped to counter northern disillusionment with President Lincoln's military policies after early Union . . . — — Map (db m267236) HM
On East Washington Street at South Broadway Street, on the right when traveling east on East Washington Street.
Abraham Lincoln attended court in the fine two story rectangular brick courthouse with four Grecian columns and copper dome on this site. Here in 1842 he was challenged to a duel by James Shields. Lincoln last spoke here August 30, 1858. — — Map (db m12184) HM
On Washington Square (Business U.S. 24) at South Main Street on Washington Square.
Abraham Lincoln, our 16th President, spent much of his adult life balancing his legal practice with politics. His trips to the Metamora Courthouse where he practiced law often took him through Washington. He became acquainted with many Washington . . . — — Map (db m306888) HM
On Candlewood Drive north of Oakwood Lane, on the right when traveling west.
The Candlewood Bridge, also known as the Cemetery Road Bridge, was constructed in 1894 to cross the south branch of Farm Creek. With a 27-foot span, the double arch limestone bridge is 15 feet above the waterline. City engineer and Washington . . . — — Map (db m312841) HM
On Washington Square (Business U.S. 24) at South Main Street, in the median on Washington Square.
First President of the United States of America, served from 1789 to 1797 and was the dominant military and political leader of the United States from 1775 to 1799. He led the American victory over Great Britain in the American Revolutionary War . . . — — Map (db m306887) HM
On Kingsbury Road, on the right when traveling west.
The devastation from the tornado that struck Washington on November 17, 2013 was immense. But so was the response by so many that came to help our town.
We would like to recognize the following groups and individuals who helped financially to . . . — — Map (db m307257) HM
On South Elm Street 0.3 miles south of Walnut Street (Business U.S. 24), on the right when traveling south.
This is the site of Leather Works, the cobbler shop of Henry F. ('Heini') Ganzhorn during the late 1950's and into the 60's, faithfully serving the community he dearly loved. Prior to that, his business was located on the Washington Square. His . . . — — Map (db m307158) HM
On Walnut Street (Business U.S. 24) at Washington Square (Business U.S. 24), on the right when traveling west on Walnut Street.
Abraham Lincoln's travels along the 8th Judicial Circuit brought him through Washington many times, but only two visits of Lincoln are documented. On November 2, 1848, Lincoln came to Washington with Anson G. Henry of Springfield to stump for . . . — — Map (db m306203) HM
On Washington Square (Business U.S. 24) at South Main Street, in the median on Washington Square.
"Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction"
Washington, Illinois was part of the life of President Ronald Wilson Reagan. Reagan is the only President born, raised and educated in Illinois. Beginning . . . — — Map (db m306889) HM
On Washington Square (Business U.S. 24) at North Main Street, in the median on Washington Square.
In recognition of The Town & Country Gardeners of Washington, est. 1958, who saved this Square from removal by the State of Illinois in 1967 and preserved this green space so significant to Washington — — Map (db m306536) HM
On Lincoln Street 0.5 miles north of West Jefferson Street, on the right when traveling north.
Original Board of Commissioners:
John A. Holtzman, President •
Wilson Kimmell, Vice President •
Mrs. Bonnie Richart, Secretary •
Noah Hickman •
Dr. H. W. Engel
The Park District acquired this property known as Washington Park, . . . — — Map (db m307163) HM
On Lincoln Street 0.5 miles West Jefferson Street, on the right when traveling north.
The Bell Helicopter model 209 with military designation of AH-1 and nicknamed Cobra, was developed in the 1960's and its government tests in 1965, won the Army contract leading to a new era of airstrip warfare.
The first cobras were built in . . . — — Map (db m307177) HM WM
On Lincoln Street 0.5 miles north of West Jefferson Street, on the right when traveling north.
In the early 2000's Eric Engram coordinated the donation and installation of the Cobra Helicopter and surrounding Veterans Memorial in Washington Park. This was part of his Eagle Scout Project. He worked tirelessly to complete all the necessary . . . — — Map (db m307180) WM
On Washington Square (Business U.S. 24) at South Main Street, in the median on Washington Square.
Washington's Bell
This is the town's original fire bell, which was rung for fires and curfews. It was mounted over the water tower on the southeast corner of the square.
In 1975 the Washington volunteer fire department members . . . — — Map (db m306806) HM
U.S. 24 within the corporate limits of Washington is dedicated to Thomas Boyd for his service to the city of Washington and its citizens including his efforts to get this north bypass built.
Tom Boyd was appointed by Mayor Ed Habecker in . . . — — Map (db m307251) HM
