Quincy Home |
Located on the grounds of the Illinois Veterans Home, the All Wars Museum displays more than 5,000 artifacts such as uniforms, flags, weapons, medals, and much more. The museum covers military history from the American Revolution to the War on Terror and honors Illinois veterans. The museum is open daily from 9:00 a.m. - noon and 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. and guided tours are available. Call 217-222-8641 for more information.
Quincy is home to the only Moorish castle built on the Mississippi River. Villa Kathrine was built on a bluff overlooking the river in 1900 by George Metz. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, Villa Kathrine is owned by the Quincy Park District and is home to the Quincy Tourist Information Center. Visitors may tour the Villa and experience its unique Mediterranean architecture. Hours are 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. on Sundays. The Villa Kathrine is located at 532 Gardner Expressway. Call 217-224-3688 for additional information.
The Gardner Museum of Architecture and Design has its home at 332 Maine Street. The building was constructed in 1888 and is a beautiful stone Richardson Romanesque structure. The Quincy Public Library occupied the building until 1974. In 1977, the Gardner Museum of Architecture and Design moved in and has been preserving and promoting Quincy’s historical architecture ever since. The second floor reading room was transformed into a beautiful permanent exhibit that showcases stained glass windows from area churches. Besides two permanent exhibits, the museum hosts temporary exhibits that explore American architectural heritage. The Gardner Museum of Architecture and Design is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. Call 217-224-6873 for additional information.
Visitors to the Mississippi Valley Antique Auto Museum will see more than 60 antique cars, some of which date back to the early 1900's. Each year the museum sponsors a car show on Father’s Day at Quincy’s All American Park located on Front and Cedar Streets next door to the museum. The Mississippi Valley Antique Auto Museum is open Sundays from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Call 217-223-7909 for additional information.
First discovered in 1998, the Jesus Tree has attracted thousands of visitors from all around the world. What exactly is the Jesus Tree? Calvary Cemetery in Quincy has a birch tree that appears to have a life-sized image of Jesus Christ holding a lamb in his arms. The cemetery is located at 1730 North 18th Street and is open daily from 7:00 a.m. to dusk.
The John Wood Mansion at 425 South 12th Street is the restored home of Quincy’s founder and Illinois’ 12th Governor, John Wood. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the John Wood Mansion was built from 1835 to 1838 and is a 14-room Greek Revival. The mansion is home to The Historical Society of Quincy and Adams County. It is open to the public for guided tours every weekend from 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. and daily during the summer months. Call 217-222-1835 for additional information.
The Dr. Richard Eells House at 415 Jersey Street is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for two reasons. First, the house was built in 1835 and is historically significant from an architectural point of view. More importantly, this house is listed on the National Register because it was a crucial link in the Underground Railroad during the 1840's. Hundreds of slaves reached freedom in Chicago with a stop at the Dr. Richard Eells House. Today, The Friends of Dr. Richard Eells House have raised money to restore the house and this landmark is in the process of being restored. Visitors will learn about Quincy’s architecture and history, Dr. Richard Eells and his family, and the Underground Railroad. Call 217-222-1799 to schedule a tour of the Dr. Richard Eells House.
The Illinois Veterans Home at 1707 North 12th Street is more than a retirement community for veterans. It’s the largest and oldest veterans home in Illinois and is home to 600 veterans that have served the United States in times of war and peace. The home was dedicated October 19, 1886, and saw its largest population in 1909 with 1,654 veteran residents. Today, the Illinois Veterans Home campus covers more than 200 acres and contains 25 buildings. They generate their own electricity, run their own bank and post office, and provide healthcare to residents of all levels. For additional information about the Illinois Veterans Home, call 217-222-8641.
The Quincy Art Center at 1515 Jersey Street was founded in 1923. The Art Center is a visual arts museum that features permanent as well as rotating exhibits that showcase works by nationally known artists. The Quincy Art Center is open 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. Tuesday through Sunday. Guided tours are available by calling 217-223-5900.
The Quincy Museum is located at 1601 Maine Street in a 20,000 sq. ft. sandstone Richardson Romanesque Revival style mansion that was built in 1891. Also known as the Newcomb-Stillwell Mansion, this structure cost $50,000 to build and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The Quincy Museum features a restored Victorian bedroom, rotating exhibits, a natural history section, and a hands-on discovery area for children. The museum is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Call the Quincy Museum at 217-224-7669 for additional information.
Quincy’s baseball history started back in 1939 when Q Stadium was constructed from area limestone. Farm clubs and minor league baseball teams from organizations such as the New York Yankees, San Francisco Giants, New York Mets, and Chicago Cubs have been thrilling area residents since 1946. The Quincy Gems, part of the Central Illinois Collegiate League (CICL), have been playing ball in the charming, old Q-Stadium since 1996. The Quincy Gems play during the summer months to crowds as large at 6,000. For more information about the Quincy Gems or Q Stadium, visit their website.
Quincy Historic Districts
Quincy has four historic districts that are listed on the National
Register of Historic Places, second only to Chicago in Illinois.
The Downtown Historic District was the first district added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1983. Nearly 100 structures from Hampshire to Jersey and 4th to 8th Streets are included in this district. The buildings provide a wide array of architectural styles with some dating back to the 1850's.
The East End Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. The East End Historic District contains 500 structures and lies between 12th and 24th and Maine and State Streets. There are houses within this district that date back to the 1830's, and many have been restored and historically preserved. Italianate, Greek Revival, Prairie Style, Queen Anne, and Romanesque are some of the styles found in the East End Historical District.
The German Historic District, also known as “Calftown,” covers a large section of Southwest Quincy, 4th to 12th and Adams to Jersey Streets. In the late 1800's nearly 70% of the residents in this district were German immigrants. The term “Calftown” referred to the cow that could be found in each home’s backyard. The original German YMCA building, built in 1893, still stands on the corner of 9th and State Streets.
In 2000, the Northwest Historic District was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This district covers North 4th, 5th, and 6th Streets and was a very popular location in the late 1800's to build mansions due to the beautiful view the bluff location afforded.
All four districts contain a wealth of historically significant architecture in a wide array of styles. A drive through each district will provide insight into Quincy’s history and a view of some of the finest architecture in the Midwest.