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
Rex Vault Service
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.
BOS Luncheon
BOS Jacksonville Banking Center 303 W College Ave, Jacksonville, IL, United StatesJoin BOS for a free lunch at their College Ave location as they celebrate the Jacksonville Bicentennial and their 25th year in the Jacksonville Community. Lunch includes hot dogs, brats, chips and a drink.
Historic Photo Presentation
Jacksonville Public Library 201 W College Ave, Jacksonville, IL, United StatesHistoric photographs of Jacksonville will be the focus of a presentation on Saturday, May 24, at the Jacksonville Public Library. Pat Kennedy and Greg Olson will give a PowerPoint presentation of about 60 images, covering notable former residents such as Catherine “Mother” Carson and William Jennings Bryan, and former local landmarks such as the main buildings at the Jacksonville State […]
The Jacksonville Area Hall of Fame Banquet
Hamilton's Catering Inc 110 N East St, Jacksonville, IL, United StatesThe Jacksonville Area Hall of Fame invites you to the Hall of Fame Banquet to celebrate the 6 inductees! Tickets are $25 each and can be purchased at Hy-Vee, The Chamber of Commerce, The Source, WLDS/WEAI, Farmers State Bank.
1925 Jacksonville Centennial Archival Display
Jacksonville Public Library 201 W College Ave, Jacksonville, IL, United StatesStep into the unique world of the 1925 Centennial Celebration Under the Dome and witness how Jacksonville celebrated its first 100 years with original items on display under the dome. These include photos of the parade, the Original Pageant script, Jacksonville Centennial Music scores, William J. Brant, and so much more.
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!
Rock the Mansion BBQ
Twisted Tree 1061 East Morton Avenue, Jacksonville, IL, United StatesJoin the Governor Duncan Association for their major yearly fundraiser, Rock the Mansion BBQ! Held at Twisted Tree all funds raised will go towards renovations and preservation of the Mansion. There will be music by DeGroove with Robert Sampson- Rock and Blues along with brisket, ribs and puled pork on the smoker with all the trimmings by Nick Xamis. Gary […]
1925 Jacksonville Centennial Archival Display
Jacksonville Public Library 201 W College Ave, Jacksonville, IL, United StatesStep into the unique world of the 1925 Centennial Celebration Under the Dome and witness how Jacksonville celebrated its first 100 years with original items on display under the dome. These include photos of the parade, the Original Pageant script, Jacksonville Centennial Music scores, William J. Brant, and so much more.
1925 Jacksonville Centennial Celebration
Jacksonville Public Library 201 W College Ave, Jacksonville, IL, United StatesThe Morgan Historical Society and Chad Boehlke, Public Historian presents: The 1925 Jacksonville Centennial Celebration This presentation is a journey through time, telling the story of how Jacksonville planned its biggest party. It's a chance to connect with the history of our city, to see and hear the story of how Jacksonville celebrated the first 100 years, a celebration that […]
1925 Jacksonville Centennial Archival Display
Jacksonville Public Library 201 W College Ave, Jacksonville, IL, United StatesStep into the unique world of the 1925 Centennial Celebration Under the Dome and witness how Jacksonville celebrated its first 100 years with original items on display under the dome. These include photos of the parade, the Original Pageant script, Jacksonville Centennial Music scores, William J. Brant, and so much more.
1925 Jacksonville Centennial Archival Display
Jacksonville Public Library 201 W College Ave, Jacksonville, IL, United StatesStep into the unique world of the 1925 Centennial Celebration Under the Dome and witness how Jacksonville celebrated its first 100 years with original items on display under the dome. These include photos of the parade, the Original Pageant script, Jacksonville Centennial Music scores, William J. Brant, and so much more.
“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!