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Time Capsule Letters from 1975 Ready for Pickup
In 1975, letters were sealed inside a time capsule. As we celebrate our bicentennial, it has been opened.
Search the list of names to see if a letter awaits you or view the list of organizations with letters waiting to be read.
Pick up letters at the Jacksonville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau, located at 310 E. State St.
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.
Gray Digital Media
Hamilton’s Catering Service, Inc.
Hampton Inn Jacksonville
Illinois College
Jacksonville Area Chamber of Commerce
Jacksonville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau
Jacksonville Main Street
Jacksonville Regional Economic Development Corporation
Kiwanis Club of Jacksonville
Lamar Advertising
MacMurray Foundation & Alumni Association
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
CASSCOMM
Chipman Realtors, in memory of Bob Chipman
CNB Bank & Trust
Don’s Place
The Andy Ezard Family
GFL
Golden Eagle Distributing
Investment Advisors Group | Craig Albers
Lincoln Land Community College
Petefish, Skiles & Co. Bank
Rex Vault Service
Rexx Battery
Stifel Nichols | Jacksonville, Illinois
U.S. Bank
Ware Brands Inc. | JB Hawks
Williamson-Airsman-Hires Funeral Home
Prairie Fields Partner | $200 and more
AACO
AMBUCS
Cass-Morgan Farm Bureau
Eddie and Sandy Carpenter
Fergurson Insurance Agency, Inc.
First National Bank of Arenzville
Girls in White Satin
Grandma Rudi’s Inc.
Gray Noll
Heartland Bank and Trust Company
Helen Baldwin
Hy-Vee Jacksonville
Jacksonville Area Senior Center
Jacksonville Elks
Jannie B’s Home Decor & Gifts
Jones Meat & Locker
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
Zoerner Daycare & Preschool
Hometown Hero | $100 and more
Citizens Police Academy Alumni
Cors Electric
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.
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!