Historical, Architectural

- History of Quincy -

Quincy and Adams County is steeped in history. The Historical Society of Quincy is the source for information on much of the history of Quincy. They are located at 425 South 12th Street in Quincy next to the John Wood Mansion.

Also available in Quincy a series of books, Landrum’s Quincy, by Carl Landrum, detail the history of Quincy from its beginning including some of its more prominent citizens as well as some of the lesser known citizens.

- Historical Sites and Monuments -

The Quincy Museum located at 16th and Maine was originally a single family dwelling owned by the Stillwells and the Newcombs. However, it was later sold and used for a dormitory for then Quincy College and is currently the Natural History Museum. It is a very large stone exterior building with turrets and an interior of natural woods.

The Villa Katherine is a Moorish Castle on the bluffs of the Mississippi River in Quincy. Inside, ornate wooden lattice work twists shadows up the walls of a narrow stairway. Railings, doors, windows, ceilings, all are beautifully carved. It is located at 532 Gardner Expressway in Quincy. Their telephone is (217) 224-3688.

Gardner Museum of Architecture and Design at 332 Maine St., Quincy, was originally the Quincy Public Library built in 1888. It is a stone Romanesque Revival style building designed by the Chicago architectural firm of Patton and Fisher and built with limestone supplied by the Frederick W. Menke Stone Works of Quincy. In 1974 the Quincy Public Library vacated the building at the corner of 4th and Maine and sold it to John Willis Gardner. His plans were to establish an architectural museum. The museum opened in 1977.

Dr. Richard Eells House, historic home at 415 Jersey, was built by abolitionist Richard Eells, and was used as a stop on the Underground Railroad. The building is currently under restoration.

The Historic Quincy Business District has survived since Quincy’s inception and has been undergoing renovation and restoration on many of its major buildings. It includes Washington Park, the scene of one of the Lincoln-Douglas debates.

- Museums -

With all of the interesting history and beautiful architecture in Quincy, it is no wonder that there are several museums to wander through. Most of them are free or request a free will donation. The Quincy Museum of Natural History also has classes for the young during the summer.

- Architectural Gems -

The Gardner Museum of Architecture and Design at 3rd and Maine in Quincy will give you an overview of the great architectural gems we have in Quincy. Take a stroll down Maine Street and see some of the most beautiful examples of Romanesque, Queen Anne, and other architectural styles of the 1800s. Also there are several other locations such as Park Place and South 12th Street; historic Maine Street from 14th to 18th Street; historic downtown; historic north side in the vicinity of the Pharmacy Museum; Lawndale and environs; and East Maine Street.

For further information, see the Walking Tour site on QuincyNet’s website.

- Native Americans -

Home to Sauk, Fox, and Kickapoo Native American tribes, the Quincy Museum at 1601 Maine St. in Quincy has an extensive display of the Native Americans that lived in this area. Their telephone is (217) 224-7669. Indian Mounds Park is one of the few public places in Illinois where visitors can view Native American mounds. Eight burial mounds are preserved in the park and visitors can view the mounds, a statue of a Native American girl, and walk through a walking time line.

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