Historical Markers in
Livingston County, Illinois

1879-1979 1932 Standard Oil Gas Station, Odell, Illinois A Bridge to the Past A Well Connected Village An Underground Crossing Cardiff, Illinois Citizenry Mourn Lincoln Civil War Memorial - Livingston County Illinois County Seat Almost Moved Desert Storm - War Memorial Dwight, Illinois Fell Leads The Way Full Service on Rte 66 Historic Division Street Bridge Historic Route 66 Illinois Jones House Lincoln Slept Here Lincoln Speaks at Church Lincoln Stranded Here Lincoln Visits Strevell Lincoln Wins His Case Livingston County G. A. R. Civil War Memorial Livingston County War Memorial Meramec Caverns Barn Mill Stones Mom and Pop Motels Odell Pedestrian Tunnel Original Route 66 Wishing Well & Sign Countryside, Illinois 1941-2007 Original Washington Street Route 66 Bricks Patrolling "Bloody 66" Pioneer Gothic Church Pontiac Pontiac City Hall and Fire Station Pontiac, Illinois Protecting Travelers Riverbank Debate Shifting Roadways The Bob Waldmire Road Yacht The Chatsworth Wreck The Log Cabin Inn The Motor Police The Windmill W. W. I War Memorial - Livingston County Illinois W. W. II War Memorial - Livingston County Illinois War Memorial Welcome to Dwight
The Illinois State Capitol building, located in Springfield, is home to the world's largest collection of stained glass windows by Louis Comfort Tiffany. The windows were installed in the Capitol between 1885 and 1917 and depict scenes from Illinois history.
Illinois random facts
Livingston County, located in Illinois, has a fascinating history that dates back to the early 19th century. The area was first settled by Native American tribes, including the Kickapoo and Potawatomi, before European explorers arrived. In 1823, the county was officially established, named after Edward Livingston, a prominent American jurist and politician.

The early settlers of Livingston County were primarily farmers, drawn to the fertile soil and abundant prairies. Agriculture quickly became the backbone of the local economy, with crops such as corn, wheat, and soybeans being grown. The county also saw the rise of small communities, including Pontiac, which became the county seat in 1837.

One significant event in Livingston County's history was the arrival of the railroad in the mid-19th century. The construction of the Chicago and Alton Railroad in the 1850s brought new opportunities for transportation and commerce, leading to further economic growth. The railroad played a crucial role in the development of towns and industries within the county.

Livingston County also has a notable place in American automotive history. In 1937, the Pontiac Motor Division of General Motors, named after the county's largest city, Pontiac, began producing automobiles in the area. The Pontiac brand became renowned for its sleek design and performance, leaving a lasting impact on the automotive industry.

Today, Livingston County maintains its strong agricultural foundation while also embracing modern industries and technologies. The county's rich history is celebrated through various festivals, museums, and landmarks, providing residents and visitors alike with a glimpse into the vibrant past of this Illinois county.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Livingston County, Illinois.

  • 1823 - Livingston County is established.
  • 1830 - The first settlers begin to arrive in the area.
  • 1835 - The county seat is established in the town of Pontiac.
  • 1854 - The Chicago and Mississippi Railroad is completed, connecting Livingston County to Chicago and other major cities.
  • 1871 - The Great Chicago Fire prompts an influx of settlers from Chicago to Livingston County.
  • 1878 - The Illinois State Reformatory, now known as the Pontiac Correctional Center, is opened in Pontiac.
  • 1919 - The International Route 66 is established, passing through Pontiac and bringing increased tourism to the county.
  • 1930s - Agriculture becomes the primary industry in Livingston County, with a focus on corn and soybean production.
  • 1944 - The Livingston County War Museum is established in Pontiac.
  • 1978 - The Pontiac Oakland Automobile Museum is opened in Pontiac.
  • 2002 - The Dwight Correctional Center is opened in Dwight, providing employment opportunities for the county.
  • 2005 - The Pontiac Swinging Bridges are constructed, becoming a popular tourist attraction.