Honoring 200 Years of Progress
Since the city was first platted in 1825, Jacksonville, IL, has been defined by the pioneers, frontiersmen and revolutionary minds advancing our community into the future while simultaneously honoring those who came before. Two centuries later, that legacy of bold ingenuity lives on through the entrepreneurs, chefs, educators, physicians and outdoor enthusiasts who forge a bright path forward and create brand-new memories that pay homage to a legendary past.
Celebrate our bicentennial with us throughout the year and see how 200 years later, our remarkable past continues to shape the bold, new experiences you’ll discover here.
A Special Thanks to Our Sponsors!
Lincoln Legacy | $10,000 and more
Benton & Associates
City of Jacksonville
The Farmers State Bank and Trust Company
Hutchison Engineering
Jacksonville Memorial Hospital
Jacksonville Journal-Courier
Nestlé
Rabbi Rob & Lauren Thomas
The Source Newspaper
Westown Ford
Governor Duncan Circle | $5,000 and more
C.D. Davidsmeyer
GTSI
K.E. Vas
Rammelkamp Bradney
Reynolds Consumer Products
Beecher Benefactor | $2,500 and more
Antiquarius
Garrison Group, Inc.
Hamilton’s Catering Service, Inc.
Illinois College
Jacksonville Area Chamber of Commerce
Jacksonville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
Jacksonville Main Street
Jacksonville Regional Economic Development Corporation
Kiwanis Club of Jacksonville
MacMurray Foundation & Alumni Association
Petefish, Skiles & Co. Bank
Rotary Club of Jacksonville
Scott Bros. Electric
WJIL-WJVO Radio
WLDS-WEAI Radio
Worrell Land Services
Ken Norton | $1,000 and more
Bank of Springfield
Chipman Realtors, in memory of Bob Chipman
CNB Bank & Trust
Don’s Place
The Andy Ezard Family
Golden Eagle Distributing
Hampton Inn Jacksonville
Investment Advisors Group | Craig Albers
Rexx Battery
Stifel Nichols | Jacksonville, Illinois
U.S. Bank
Ware Brands Inc. | JB Hawks
Prairie Fields Partner | $200 and more
AACO
AMBUCS
Cass-Morgan Farm Bureau
Eddie and Sandy Carpenter
Fergurson Insurance Agency, Inc.
Girls in White Satin
Grandma Rudi’s Inc.
Gray Noll
Heartland Bank and Trust Company
Helen Baldwin
Jacksonville Area Senior Center
Jacksonville Elks
Jannie B’s Home Decor & Gifts
Jubilee Habitat for Humanity
Lincoln Land Animal Clinic
Meri Jones
Morgan County Housing Authority
The Pilot Club of Jacksonville
The Prairieland Heritage Museum Institute
Production Xpress
Robert Turner Agency
Sara’s Studio of Dance
Skip & Joann Nelson
Hometown Hero | $100 and more
Citizens Police Academy Alumni
Cors Electric
First National Bank of Arenzville
Ginny Fanning
James Duncan
Lehmkuhl Accounting
Lomelino Signs
Morgan County Treasurer | Crystal Myers
Reese Chiropractic
Spradlin Auction
State Representative | Kyle Moore
The Hangout Bar & Grill
Walton’s
Calendar of Events
This isn’t just a one-day celebration — the Jacksonville Bicentennial lasts all year long! From live performances to festivals, save the dates for the exciting events planned throughout 2025.
Celebrating 200 Years of Jacksonville’s Black History
Crispin Hall 1101 W College Ave, Jacksonville, IL, United StatesCelebrate 200 Years of Black History in Jacksonville with the Jacksonville African American History Museum as they prepare to host Denmark Whitaker, aka DJ Avelanche, NBA DJ for the Rip City Remix from the Pacific Northwest, will keep music flowing. There will be giveaways and much more! Admission: $20 $10 w/ student ID
Remembering Pioneers & Patriots at Jacksonville East Cemetery
East Cemetery 600 Myrtle Street, Jacksonville, IL, United StatesThis tour will be led by local Historian, Greg Olson starting at 2pm at East Cemetery. This tour is free and open to the public.
Jacksonville Plates on State
Jacksonville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau 310 E State St, Jacksonville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, IL, United StatesJoin us as we honor our past, present, and future at Jacksonville Plates on State—an unforgettable outdoor dinner event celebrating our vibrant community! Mark your calendars for Sunday, May 4, 2025, as we come together to celebrate the bicentennial of our amazing town, the 40th anniversary of the CVB, and Travel & Tourism Week! Enjoy a spectacular menu of locally […]
Osage Orange Festival
Memorial LawnJoin us during our annual Osage Orange Festival to welcome the Class of 2025 and their families into the Illinois College alumni community. The event includes free admission, inflatables, face painting, games and fun activities for all ages — for all attendees. A variety of the area’s favorite food trucks will provide festive food and drink options, including beer and […]
Bound to Stay Bound Open House
Bound to Stay Bound Books 1880 W Morton Ave, Jacksonville, IL, United StatesBound to Stay Bound is hosting an Open House to celebrate the 105th anniversary of BTSB. They will be offering manufacturing tours and activities to showcase what makes Bound to Stay Bound unique. Stay tuned as there is more information to come!
Governor Duncan Blues & BBQ
Twisted Tree 1061 East Morton Avenue, Jacksonville, IL, United StatesMore information TBA!
“Honoring the Lives and Legacies of Jacksonville’s Catholics”
Calvary Cemetery 1601 Lincon Road, Jacksonville, IL, United StatesLocal historian Greg Olson will lead a tour of Calvary Cemetery on Lincoln Avenue at 2 PM, Sunday, June 29th. Tour is free and open to the public. Sponsored by the Jacksonville Bicentennial Committee, Jacksonville Area Museum and Jacksonville Historical Society.
Rotary Club of Jacksonville 4th of July Parade
Downtown Jacksonville Jacksonville, IL, United StatesMore information TBA!
Bicentennial Concert
Nichols Park 110 Holkenbrink Drive, Jacksonville, IL, United StatesSave the date! The Jacksonville Symphony is hosting a FREE concert on July 4th at the Nichols Park Pavillion!
Greetings from Jacksonville, 1825-2025
Nichols Park 110 Holkenbrink Drive, Jacksonville, IL, United StatesSave the date for Prairieland Chautauqua. This year's theme is centered around the City of Jacksonville in celebration of the City of Jacksonville's Bicentennial.
Greetings from Jacksonville, 1825-2025
Nichols Park 110 Holkenbrink Drive, Jacksonville, IL, United StatesSave the date for Prairieland Chautauqua. This year's theme is centered around the City of Jacksonville in celebration of the City of Jacksonville's Bicentennial.
Jacksonville Illinois 200th Finale
Central Park Plaza Central Park, Jacksonville, IL, United StatesJoin us downtown on October 4, 2025, as we cap off a year of celebrations for our beloved community's 200th birthday! Plan to spend the entire day downtown, opening the 50-year-old time capsule, taking tours, sampling food, enjoying live music, and much more... check back for more details as the date approaches! Hours TBD.
Illinois College Homecoming
Illinois College 1101 West College Avenue, Jacksonville, Illinois, United StatesMore information TBA
Submit Your Event
Planning a bicentennial-related event? Let us know! Fill out the form and we’ll add your event to our calendar dedicated to the City of Jacksonville’s 200th birthday!