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Centennial / Memorial Park

101 North Chicago St., Lincoln, IL
Phone:
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East < GO > West

This little park faces Broadway between Chicago St. and the railroad tracks. There is a town Christening monument and plaque about Lincoln's funeral train stopping here. The park backs up to the depot which is on on Chicago Street between Broadway & Pekin Streets.

x This marker celebrates the 150th Anniversary of the city of Lincoln, it marker reads:

"To Commemorate the 150th anniversary of the City of Lincoln in August 2003 the city interred in a Time Capsule below this marker various artifacts and documents of that celebration. To be opened on August 27, 2153"

x This marker was erected to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the city and to honor the Gold Star Mothers and Widows of veterans. It reads:

"Centennial Park
In Eternal Memory

of those from Lincoln and Logan County who served their country in all her wars, and of their Gold Star Mothers and Widows, we dedicate this park. From these grounds those who served entrained to answer their Country’s call.

In gratitude for those who were returned may future generations revere the devotion of those who made the Supreme sacrifice.

This monument was erected September 6, 1953 A. D. By the committee for the celebration of the first Centennial of Lincoln, Illinois, the first and only town named for Abraham Lincoln before he became president of the United States.

Beneath this stone we have placed the story of Lincoln’s first one hundred years with the hope that it will be uncovered and honored on the Second Centennial, 2053 A. D.

Erected 1953 by Committee for Celebration of First Centennial of Lincoln, Illinois."

x This sign commemorates President-elect Abraham Lincoln speaking here during a stop while travailing to Chicago on November 21, 1860. Lincoln's funeral train stopped here on May 3rd 1865 while

"Abraham Lincoln
and Lincoln Illinois

Near this site Abraham Lincoln christened the Town with the juice of a watermelon when the first lots were sold on August 27, 1853. President-Elect Lincoln spoke here, November 21, 1860, while traveling to Chicago, and Lincoln's Funeral Train stopped here, May 3, 1865, before completing the trip to Springfield.

Erected 1964 by Lincoln Kiwanis, Lions, and Rotary Clubs, and Illinois State Historical Society."

Photo(s): 2015

 



 

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x About Us We started traveling Historic U.S. Route 66 as a destination in 2009. It's like a 2,400 mile long drive back in time from Chicago to Santa Monica! more
xDid You Know: Many parts of the old 4 lane Route 66 were reverted to a 2 lane road after 66 was realigned to the interstate. In many places the abandoned lanes are still there.