Historic Sites in Jacksonville
Interested in history? Then Jacksonville is the perfect place to spend some time. The city's rich heritage includes numerous interesting sites that help make history relevant to new generations.
Choices include the murals of downtown Jacksonville that depict our history in a
unique artistic fashion. Or, visit one of the many Underground Railroad sites,
including Woodlawn Farm, or some of the historic homes in Jacksonville's historic
district. Or, walk in the footsteps of greatness, following the lives of Abraham
Lincoln, Stephen Douglas, General Benjamin Grierson, or many others. Jacksonville
is proud that many important figures have called our city their home.
Downtown Jacksonville
Central ParkState Street and Main Street
Jacksonville's historic city center; highlights include restaurants, theaters, shops, murals and more.
Walldog Murals
All over downtown Jacksonville
Painters came to Jacksonville in 2006 from all over the US and as far away as Ireland and Austrailia to work on the historical murals. In less than a week, ten projects were completed. The murals are located in various areas of downtown Jacksonville.
Underground Railroad
Jacksonville was one of the many stations along the Underground Railroad and one of
the busiest during the mid-1800s. Prominent abolitionists like Edward Beecher, first president of
Illinois College and brother to Harriet Beecher Stowe, author of Uncle Tom's Cabin, Jonathan B. Turner
and Benjamin Henderson, a former slave, were among the many that were relentless in the pursuit of
freedom for all. Although most are private residences, many of the homes used in the Underground
Railroad can still be seen in Jacksonville.
East of Jacksonville
The showcase homestead of Jacksonville's extensive Underground Railroad network. Former slaves were ushered through this home on their way to freedom.
Asa Talcott House
859 Grove Street
A bricklayer, he was well known for his devotion and involvement in the freedom of slaves. One story of a fleeing slave in February 1844 put the slave in a hay stack of Talcott's barn, while authorities looked for the fugitive.
Dr. Bezaleel Gillett House
1005 Grove Street
Dr. Gillett supported the Underground Railroad by allowing the slaves to stay in a large shack (now demolished) that was on the south side of his home.
Porter Clay House
1019 West State Street
Porter Clay brought two slaves from Kentucky, ignoring the ban on slavery in Illinois. The two slaves, Robert and Emily Logan, escaped to a Negro part of town called "Africa" after learning they were to be sold. Although Robert was captured and taken to St. Louis, Emily was hidden until her legal petition for freedom was granted by the Supreme Court.
Other Historic Sites
Governor Duncan MansionLocated in Duncan Park
Visit the only Governor's mansion still standing in the state other than in Springfield. This restored mansion was used for State business during the term of Governor Joseph Duncan from 1834-1838. The three-story, 17-room mansion was built in 1834. The mansion is owned and operated by the Rev. James Caldwell Chapter NSDAR. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971, and houses many of the original Duncan family furnishing.
Prarie Land Heritage Museum
On the corner of Michigan Avenue & Lincoln Avenue in South Jacksonville
See horse-powered equipment, antique tractors, gas and steam engines, demonstrations on baling, blacksmithing, and more. Steam Show and Fall Festival every September.
Eli Bridge Wheel
In Community Park, corner of Morton Avenue and Main Street
Although the factory is not open for tours, a spin on the locally-operated wheel is available in Community Park during the summer. Jacksonville is home to the Eli Bridge factory that builds rides including the famous Big Eli Wheel, Scramblers, and other amusements.
Walking Tours
Self-guided walking tours of Jacksonville historic sites are available in our office or on our website.
BandstandIn Community Park, corner of Morton Avenue and Main Street
The bandstands in community park were originally built as part of the grounds of the State Hospital. Their unique construction and Victorian detail earned one of them a home in the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.
Morgan County Courthouse
West State Street
Built in the Beaux Arts style, the Morgan County Courthouse is the center of government for the county.
Illinois School for the Deaf Alumni Association Museum
125 Webster Ave, Building #11 Thomas Officer Hall
The museum has nine rooms on two floors of displays. Open Monday-Friday 9am-noon, Saturday by appointment.
Heritage Cultural Museum
301 East State Street
This center will feature the history of Jacksonville from 1825 through the mid-1900s. Will include meeting rooms and a community resource center. Currently under construction.
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Phone: 217-243-5678 Toll-Free: 1-800-593-5678 Fax: 217-245-0661  |
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