Asa Talcott House
859 Grove Street
A bricklayer, Asa Talcott was well known for his devotion and involvement in the freedom of slaves. One story of a fleeing slave in February 1844 put the slave in a hay stack of Talcott’s barn while authorities looked for the fugitive.

Bandstand
In Community Park, corner of Morton Avenue and Main Street
The bandstands in community park were originally built as part of the grounds of the State Hospital. Their unique construction and Victorian detail earned one of them a home in the Smithsonian Institution in Washington, D.C.

Dr. Bezaleel Gillett House
1005 Grove Street
Dr. Gillett supported the Underground Railroad by allowing the slaves to stay in a large shack (now demolished) that was on the south side of his home.

Eli Bridge Wheel
In Community Park, corner of Morton Avenue and Main Street
Although the factory is not open for tours, a spin on the locally-operated wheel is available in Community Park during the summer. Jacksonville is home to the Eli Bridge factory that builds rides including the famous Big Eli Wheel, Scramblers, and other amusements.

The Governor Duncan Mansion, a 3-story, 17-room mansion was built in 1834 for Illinois Governor Joseph Duncan and his family. It served as the official Governor’s Mansion during his term of office, 1834-38, and is the only structure left outside Springfield that served in that capacity. The mansion is owned and operated by the Rev. James Caldwell Chapter, NSDAR. It was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1971, has been fully restored, and houses many of the original Duncan family furnishings.
Guided tours are available during regular hours. All other tours may be scheduled by calling the Jacksonville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau. Group tours are welcome. .

Grierson House at 852 E. State
Benjamin Henry Grierson was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on July 8, 1826. Grierson moved to 852 East State Street in Jacksonville, Illinois with his family in the fall of 1850 when he was 24. It was here he learned that he had been hand picked by Ulysses S. Grant to lead an important military mission which would become known as Grierson’s Raid. This mission encompassed 600 miles in just 16 days. General Grierson and his wife, Alice, are buried in the Jacksonville East Cemetery.

Heritage Cultural Museum
301 East State Street
This center will feature the history of Jacksonville from 1825 through the mid-1900’s and will include meeting rooms and a community resource center. Currently under construction.

Illinois School for the Deaf Alumni Association Museum
125 Webster Ave, Building 11, Thomas Officer Hall
The museum has nine rooms of displays on two floors. Open Monday-Friday 9am-noon, Saturday by appointment.

Morgan County Courthouse
West State Street
Built in the Beaux Arts style, the Morgan County Courthouse is the center of government for the county.

Porter Clay House
1019 West State Street
Porter Clay brought two slaves from Kentucky, ignoring the ban on slavery in Illinois. The two slaves, Robert and Emily Logan, escaped to a Negro part of town called "Africa" after learning they were to be sold. Although Robert was captured and taken to St. Louis, Emily was hidden until her legal petition for freedom was granted by the Supreme Court.

Prairie Land Heritage Museum
On the corner of Michigan Avenue & Lincoln Avenue in South Jacksonville. See horse-powered equipment, antique tractors, gas and steam engines, demonstrations on baling, blacksmithing, and more. Steam Show and Fall Festival every September.

Underground Railroad
Jacksonville was one of the many stations along the Underground Railroad and one of the busiest during the mid-1800’s. Prominent abolitionists like Edward Beecher, first president of Illinois College and brother to Harriet Beecher Stowe, author of Uncle Tom’s Cabin

Walking Tours
Self-guided walking tour maps of Jacksonville historic sites are available at the Bed & Breakfast.

Woodlawn Farm
East of Jacksonville
The showcase homestead of Jacksonville’s extensive Underground Railroad network. Former slaves were ushered through this home on their way to freedom.

Local Attractions
Historic Locations
Arts & Culture
Recreation
Education