|
Famous Residents |
The Heritage Cultural Center is located in Jacksonville at the Illinois School for the Deaf. This museum showcases the history of Jacksonville from its early start in the 1800's through the mid 1900's. A Victorian parlor and an old time doctor’s office can be seen on the guided tours. Call (217) 245-7488 for additional information.
Jacksonville is home to the only official governor’s mansion outside of Springfield. From 1834-1838 Joseph Duncan, Governor of Illinois, resided in Jacksonville. The Governor Duncan Mansion was constructed in 1834. It has three stories and 17 rooms with recent renovations and original Duncan family articles. The Governor Duncan Mansion is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and located at 4 Duncan Place. For more information call (800) 593-5678.
Illinois College was founded in 1829 by John Ellis with the help of seven men known as the “Yale Band.” Illinois’ first college building, Beecher Hall, was constructed in 1829 at Illinois College and named for its first president, Edward Beecher, brother of Harriet Beecher Stowe. Illinois College also gave the State of Illinois its first college graduates. Among the first degrees was one for Richard Yates who became an Illinois governor. Illinois College has a rich history with numerous well-known graduates, professors, and lecturers.
During Chicago’s Columbian Exposition in 1893, W. E. Sullivan saw his first Ferris wheel. In 1900, joined by James Clements, Sullivan debuted his first Ferris wheel in Jacksonville. In 1906 Sullivan formed Eli Bridge Company and began mass production of his portable Ferris wheel. Today, the first Big Eli Wheel stands in the front yard of Eli Bridge Company and Big Eli Wheel #17 is displayed on the corner of Main and Morgan Streets.