With more funds in hand, Wayman Presley and W.H. Lirely were able to employ St. Louis, Missouri architect, and South African native, Henry Rush, to be the one to oversee the design and construction of the Cross. By the spring of 1959, the base . . . — — Map (db m286995) HM
In the late 1940s, Wayman Presley set up a three-year campaign to purchase Bald Knob Mountain, which in 1948 cost about $250,000. Through this campaign, 116 individuals from 34 counties and 5 states each committed $100 towards the purchase. These . . . — — Map (db m287000) HM
The concept for the Bald Knob Cross of Peace dates back to 1936, when two well-known southern Illinois natives, Wayman Presley (a rural mail carrier) and his pastor, Rev. W.H. Lirely, first discussed the need for a place where people of all . . . — — Map (db m286999) HM
The new millennium brought several changes to the Bald Knob Cross of Peace. During the early 2000s, the Cross was faced with (and greatly affected by) both external and internal deterioration caused by lack of interest in the organization. . . . — — Map (db m286993) HM
Even with the generous donations that were being sent in, there were still not enough funds to continue with the construction plans for the Cross.
Left without many choices, Wayman Presley decided to take a leave of absence . . . — — Map (db m286997) HM
Today on this hill stands a cross, the primary symbol of the Christian faith. For thousands of years, millions and millions of people have found new life and hope through the faith in God this symbol represents. It is the hope and prayer of the Bald . . . — — Map (db m287066) HM
Who shared a vision of the cross of peace in 1937, and dedicated the rest of his life to building and maintaining it.
Dedicated 1993 by his wife Tressie S. Presley — — Map (db m285226) HM
This property was placed on the National Register of Historic Places by the United Sates Department of the Interior in 2025. Established in 1873, Rendleman Orchards represents a rare and enduring example of a multi-generational family farm in . . . — — Map (db m299649) HM
Plaque 1
Illinois Medal of Honor Recipents
The Medal of Honor was established during the Civil War and is the highest military decoration for bravery that can be awarded to any individual in the United States.
The . . . — — Map (db m191549) WM
In 1851, when the Illinois Central Railroad began surveying land in Union County, the county seat of Jonesboro was thought to be the logical choice for the location of the tracks. However, the city fathers declined to pay the required $50 . . . — — Map (db m161071) HM
Raised by Patty Boner, West Frankfort; given to Navy recruiter Don Lingle, Anna; and auctioned by L. Oard Sitter, Anna around the State of Illinois for over $19,000,000 in WW II War Bonds — — Map (db m117467) HM WM
Buried here: King Neptune; Famous Navy Mascot Pig
Auctioned for $19,000,000.00 in War bonds.
1942-1946 to help make a free world.
This memorial site dedicated by Don C. Lingle, PNAC, NR-R
To the millions of people, who gave their . . . — — Map (db m161010) HM
To all who fought and lost their lives , to all who served in conflicts around the world in peace and war time past and present. — — Map (db m191112) WM
Home to thousands of men, women, and
children, the Cherokee Nation once spread
across parts of Georgia, North Carolina,
Tennessee, and Alabama. The 1830 Indian
Removal Act required that the Cherokee
surrender their land and move west.
In . . . — — Map (db m161434) HM
This memorial is dedicated to all veterans of Union County. The greatest men and women who have ever walked the face of the earth.
Many gave all, offered their lives for the freedom America stands for. No greater sacrifice can be made, to . . . — — Map (db m191195) WM
Those of this community who gave their lives in service of our country in World War Two
Stanley H. Aldridge 1917-1944
Woodrow R. Aldridge 1912-1944
Oren M.C. Allen 1916-1945
Collan A. Appel 1914-1944
William J. Bass . . . — — Map (db m191206) WM
Union County was created January 2, 1818, when Illinois was still a territory. County commissioners established Jonesboro as the county seat on land donated by John and Juliet Grammer.
During the frigid winter of January 1839, thousands of . . . — — Map (db m161167) HM
Young Abraham Lincoln "lost his taste" for politics and was content with his thriving law practice after having served four terms in the Illinois Legislature in the 1830's and a term in Congress in the 1840's. However, several national events . . . — — Map (db m161073) HM
On September 15, 1858, in the midst of the senatorial campaign of that year, Abraham Lincoln and Stephen A. Douglas met at Jonesboro in the third of the famous series of debates which made Lincoln a national figure. The debate was held in a grove . . . — — Map (db m160956) HM
In Commemoration
on the afternoon of
September the 15th, 1858
upon this acre in the Jonesboro fair-grounds
and as rival candidates for the United States
Senatorship from the State of Illinois.
Abraham Lincoln
and
Stephen A. . . . — — Map (db m62732) HM
In 1858, Jonesboro was the bustling county seat of one of the state's oldest counties. Founded in 1818, Jonesboro was located on twenty acres donated by John Grammer. Several early politicians came from Jonesboro, including Representative John . . . — — Map (db m161075) HM
St. John's Cemetery contains the graves of four Revolutionary War Soldiers.
Jacob Hileman, born July 20, 1762 in Northampton Co., Pennsylvania. As a private he served in the 4th company, 3rd battalion. Northampton County Militia in 1778 . . . — — Map (db m207797) HM WM
Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, and their party passed this place on their way west. Here they crossed the river to visit Cape Girardeau. The next day they were relieved to find Nathaniel Pryor, a recruit who had gone hunting two days earlier . . . — — Map (db m161186) HM
The Lewis and Clark Expedition had a scientific mission as well as others. President Jefferson urged them to study the flora and fauna along their route. When passing through this area, they noted the abundant pines and cedars, unique limestone . . . — — Map (db m161204) HM
