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Vermilion County Museum Society |
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The Vermilion County Museum Society was
organized in May of 1964. Its mission is to preserve the historical
heritage of Vermilion County, Illinois, including natural history and to
establish, maintain, and operate a museum to disseminate knowledge and
history of Vermilion County to the public through educational exhibits.
The Society maintains four local historical sites including the Dr.
William Fithian Home, the Lamon House, Mann's Chapel, and the Pioneer
Cemetery. It is governed by a fifteen person board. The Society is an
Illinois not-for-profit.
Established in 1826, Vermilion County is
located in east central Illinois. It has a rich history, beginning in the
early days with the development of agriculture and coal mining, followed
by brick making, the arrival of the railroads, and industry. Notable
persons who have ties to Vermilion County include Abraham Lincoln,
“Uncle” Joe Cannon, and Dr. William Fithian. These are but a few of the
dedicated people who used their wisdom and
talents to help lay the foundations of our county. The Vermilion County
Museum Society strives to preserve this rich heritage and to present it
to its visitors. |
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Dr. William Fithian Home
A Lincoln site on the National Register of
Historic Places |
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The Dr. William
Fithian, pioneer doctor, prairie legislator, Civil War surgeon, and
friend of Abraham Lincoln, completed the home in 1855. Fithian and
Lincoln became friends when they both served in the Illinois legislature
in 1834 and the association continued until Lincoln's death.
Fithian hosted Lincoln many times when he visited Danville and
supported him both financially and with speeches when Lincoln ran for
office. In September of 1858, Lincoln gave a speech from the south
balcony of the Fithian home when he was campaigning for the U. S.
Senate. The balcony, the window Lincoln stepped out, and the bedroom
Lincoln used on his visits remain as they were that autumn day in 1858.
The bed in the Lincoln room is the bed the tall statesman slept in when
he visited Fithian. . 
Click HERE for additional photos |
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Dr. William Fithian (1799-1890)
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The Vermilion County Museum
Center
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The Vermilion County Museum Center is a
replica of the 1831 courthouse where Lincoln practiced law in Danville,
Illinois. Opened in 2002, the Center provides an overview of Vermilion
County history with galleries that highlight natural history, early
Native American artifacts, education, coal mining, and Lincoln, to
mention a few. This facility has space for special exhibits, events,
meetings, and programs, and is handicapped accessible. |
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Lamon House
in historic Lincoln Park, Danville, IL
The Lamon House is a Greek Revival Cottage built in
1850 by Joseph and Melissa Beckwith Lamon. The Lamon House is
believed to be the oldest frame house in the Danville Area. Joseph
was the cousin of Ward Hill Lamon, Lincoln's law partner and
bodyguard. Melissa was the daughter of Dan Beckwith, who Danville
was named for. The home originally stood near downtown Danville on
North Street, but was moved to its present location in Lincoln Park
and completely restored in the early 1980s.
(For additional information, click on the photo above.) |
Mann's Chapel Rossville,
IL
(Available for rent,
for additional
information,
click on the photo above.) |
Pioneer Cemetery
Salt Kettle Rest Area,
I-74
This pristine family burial plot is representative of
numerous tiny cemeteries that were created as the nation's frontier
expanded west. The cemetery was established on family land owned by
Edward M. Wilson. On Wilson's gravestone was recorded he came to
America from Ireland in 1802, and fought at the Battle of North
point in the War of 1812.
This site is a ten minute walk from the rest area Visitor's Center,
on a trail accessible from the south end of the parking lot. |
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