Historic Places

Uncover Local Legends

The legends that helped define life in Jacksonville as we know it today are more than just stories hidden away in a dusty, old textbook. Here, visitors can experience our remarkable history firsthand, from the tales of Illinois’ frontier days at the remarkably preserved Gov. Duncan Mansion to the harrowing accounts of people escaping the chains of slavery at our Underground Railroad sites.

Gorgeous architecture, the lasting impression of a bygone era, stands tall over State Street and around our spacious square, the latter home to monuments that honor our nation’s proud history. Murals, bandstands, and our signature Big Eli Wheel pay homage to the creative minds and ingenuity that carried on the pioneering spirit of our forefathers into the 21st century.

Don’t just read about our history — go out and experience it yourself.

historic photo of Governor Duncan Mansion
  • Gov. Duncan Mansion, circa 1969


Bandstands in Community Park
Address
In Community Park: Morton Avenue & Main Street
Beecher Hall
Listing Title
Address
Illinois College Campus, Off Lockwood Place. The building is near McGaw Center for the Performing Arts.
Colonial Inn
Listing Title
Address
1213 W. State St
Jacksonville, IL 62650
David A. Smith House
Listing Title
Address
1061 Grove Street
Jacksonville, Illinois 62650
David Strawn Art Gallery
Address
331 West College Avenue
Jacksonville, Illinois 62650
Hours
Sunday: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Tuesday - Saturday: 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Gallery Closed during the summer
Dr. Owen Long House
Listing Title
Address
1047 West State Street
Jacksonville, IL 62650
F.J. Waddell House
Listing Title
Address
2 Duncan Place
Jacksonville, Illinois 62650
General Benjamin Grierson Mansion
Address
852 East State Street
Jacksonville, Illinois 62650
Governor Duncan Mansion
Address
4 Duncan Place
Jacksonville, Illinois 62650
Hours
Open Memorial Day through Labor Day
Wednesday & Saturday: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
May Schedule by appointment.
Historic West Side Walking Tour
Address
Various locations around the Jacksonville community.
Illinois College
Listing Title
Address
1101 West College Avenue
Jacksonville, Illinois 62650
Illinois School for the Deaf Alumni Association Museum
Address
125 Webster Avenue
Jacksonville, Illinois
Hours
Monday - Friday: 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Saturday: By appointment only
Closed on Holidays
Jacksonville African American History Museum
Address
859 Grove Street
Jacksonville, Illinois 62650
Hours
Starting May 4 - October 6

Wednesday: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Saturday: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Sunday: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Open all year by appointment.
Jacksonville Area Museum
Address
301 E State St
Jacksonville, IL 62650
Hours
Wednesday & Saturday: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Sunday: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Jacksonville Public Library
Address
201 West College Avenue
Jacksonville, Illinois 62650
Hours
Sunday: Closed
Monday - Thursday: 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
James Jaquess House
Listing Title
Address
339 East State Street
Jacksonville, Illinois 62650
Judge Henry B. McClure House
Address
919 West College
Jacksonville, IL 62650
Lincoln and Slavery Mural
Address
South Sandy Street
Jacksonville, Illinois 62650
Morgan County Courthouse
Address
300 West State Street
Jacksonville, Illinois 62650
Hours
Monday - Friday: 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
Saturday & Sunday: Closed
Newton Bateman House
Listing Title
Address
907 West State Street
Jacksonville, Illinois 62650
Samuel Adams House
Listing Title
Address
1120 W College Avenue
Jacksonville, IL 62650
The Fayerweather House
Address
252 Park Street
Jacksonville, IL 62650
The Octagon House
Listing Title
Address
222 Park Street
Jacksonville, IL 62650
Walldog Murals
Listing Title
Address
Various areas of Historic Downtown Jacksonville
William Hook House
Listing Title
Address
1042 West State Street
Jacksonville, IL 62650