National Register Listing

LeRoy Commercial Historic District

111-123, 200-223, 300 Center and 106-118 Chestnut Sts., LeRoy, IL
Local significance of the district:
Commerce; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1996.

The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.

commerce architecture
The first McDonald's restaurant was opened in Des Plaines, Illinois in 1955. The restaurant was designed to be a drive-in, but it quickly became popular with families and eventually evolved into the fast-food chain we know today.
Illinois random facts
McLean County, Illinois, situated in the central part of the state, has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Kickapoo and Pottawatomi. In the early 1800s, European settlers began to arrive, establishing the first permanent settlements in the county.

In 1830, McLean County was officially established and named in honor of Judge John McLean, a U.S. Supreme Court justice. As the county developed, Bloomington, now the county seat, emerged as a prominent center of commerce and culture. The town's strategic location along the Illinois Central Railroad further contributed to its growth.

During the mid-1800s, McLean County experienced rapid development, with agriculture playing a crucial role in its economy. The invention of the grain reaper by Cyrus McCormick revolutionized farming practices, and McLean County became known as the "Prairie State's Breadbasket." The county's fertile soil allowed for the cultivation of corn, wheat, soybeans, and other crops, contributing to its prosperity.

In the 20th century, McLean County continued to evolve, embracing technological advancements and diversifying its economy. The county became home to several major manufacturing plants, including those of the Caterpillar Inc., further fueling its economic growth. Today, McLean County is a thriving community with a strong agricultural base, a vibrant downtown area, and a diverse economy that includes industries such as healthcare, education, and information technology.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of McLean County, Illinois.

  • 1830: McLean County is established and named after John McLean, a prominent Illinois pioneer and U.S. Senator.
  • 1831: The first settlers arrive in the area, mainly farmers from Kentucky, Tennessee, and Virginia.
  • 1837: Bloomington is chosen as the county seat.
  • 1841: The first courthouse is built in Bloomington.
  • 1847: The Illinois Central Railroad reaches Bloomington, boosting the local economy and population.
  • 1861-1865: McLean County sends soldiers to fight in the American Civil War.
  • 1909: McLean County's first automobile is registered.
  • 1935: The first radio station, WJBC, begins broadcasting in Bloomington.
  • 1948: Illinois State University (then called Illinois State Normal University) moves to Normal, becoming a major presence in the county.
  • 1990: The population of McLean County surpasses 150,000.