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History lives in Jacksonville! This community has a living, breathing history that has contributed people and ideas that have affected the course of Illinois, and we like to say humbly, the direction of the United States! In its early years, the city was a nexus of social, educational, and political activity. Because of this, it was known as the "Athens of the West."
Historic Sites in Jacksonville
There are a number of connections with Abraham Lincoln. While Lincoln lived in
nearby New Salem, he worked for a woman whose sons attended classes at Illinois
College in Jacksonville. When they returned home, Lincoln would borrow their books
to study. While serving as president, he commented "that was all the teaching of
grammar I ever had."
Abraham Lincoln had a professional connection with the city as well. During his time as a lawyer and politician, he represented clients in a number of courthouses across central Illinois, including Jacksonville. An early Lincoln speech on the evils of slavery is depicted in a mural near the event location in downtown Jacksonville. Lincon's archrival, Stephen A. Douglas, became Morgan County's prosecuting attorney in 1835.
William Jennings Bryan, an Illinois College graduate, practiced law in the city. Bryan ran numerous campaigns for national office, and is well known for participating in the Scopes "Monkey Trial," a national debate on natural selection vs. creationism.
Jacksonville contributed three governors to the state: Joseph Duncan, Richard Yates, and Richard Yates Jr. Governor Duncan's home still stands on West State Street, the only governor's mansion outside Springfield.
The city is rich in Civil War history. Benjamin H. Grierson, who led a famous raid
during the war, called Jacksonville home. His house still stands on East State
Street, and he is buried in Jacksonville East Cemetery. "Grierson Days," a Civil
War re-enactment, is held every summer, and features the largest mounted horseback
re-enactment in the Midwest. During the war, Ulysses S. Grant rested his Illinois
regiment on what is now the Morgan County Fairgrounds. From Jacksonville, he marched
west to the Illinois River.
In 1864, Dr. Greene Vardiman Black began his dentistry practice. His techniques became the standard of dentistry used to this day, and became known as the "Father of Modern Dentistry."
In the mid-1800s Jacksonville was a hub of Underground Railroad activities, to assist escaped slaves arriving from the South. Abolitionists, like Jonathan B. Turner and Edward Beecher, brother to Harriet Beecher Stowe, proved to be fierce advocates for freedom. Beecher was the first president of Illinois College, and helped the institution become a strong engine of abolitionist thought.
Currently, there are many local homes and sites that were part of the Underground Railroad, including the Asa Talcott House, Gillett House, and the Clay House. Notable locations on the Illinois College campus are Beecher Hall and the David Smith House. Woodlawn Farm, a rural home and Underground Railroad interpretation center, is open for visitors two miles east of Jacksonville.
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