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Famous Residents |
Jacksonville, Illinois _________________
Driving Directions
From Quincy, take I-172 south for 15 miles to I-72. Take I-72 east 60
miles to Jacksonville. Approximately 75 miles.
Calendar of Events
Visit this
site for a Jacksonville calendar of events.
History
In 1825 Jacksonville was laid out on a 40-acre tract of land and named the county seat of Morgan County. Just four years later Jacksonville constructed Illinois’ first college building, Beecher Hall, on the Illinois College campus. In 1834 Jacksonville was Illinois’ largest town with 1,800 settlers.
When legislators decided to move the state capitol from Vandalia to a more central location, Jacksonville was a contender. Although Springfield received the Capitol, Jacksonville received three state institutions. Established in the 1840's, the institutes for the blind, deaf, and insane were huge accomplishments for Jacksonville as well as for Illinois.
Jacksonville was home to many historical figures. Three Illinois governors, Joseph Duncan, Richard Yates, and Richard Yates Jr.; the father of modern dentistry, Dr. Greene Vardiman Black; and political figures, Steven Douglas, Williams Jennings Bryant, and Jonathan Baldwin Turner are among Jacksonville’s most prominent residents.
Today Jacksonville offers a bounty of beautifully restored architecture. For a closer look into Jacksonville’s history, the Jacksonville Visitors & Convention Center offers a variety of self-guided walking tours. Call (800) 593-5678 for more information.