National Register Listing

Military Drill Hall and Men's Gymnasium

a.k.a. Kenney Gym Annex and H.E. Kenney Gynmasium

1402--1406 W. Springfield, Urbana, IL
Local significance of the building:
Education; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1986.

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.

education architecture
Audiobooks about the history of Illinois.
The Illinois State Police, founded in 1922, is one of the oldest state police agencies in the United States. The agency is responsible for enforcing state laws, protecting state property, and providing security for the governor and other state officials.
Illinois random facts
Champaign County, located in central Illinois, has a rich history that spans over two centuries. The region was initially inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Kickapoo, Potawatomi, and Chippewa, who utilized the land for hunting and agriculture. European settlers began to arrive in the area in the early 19th century, drawn to the fertile soil and abundant natural resources.

In 1833, Champaign County was officially established, named after the prominent Champaign County in Ohio. The county seat was initially located in a small village called Urbana, which has remained the county's central hub for government, commerce, and education. The early settlers played a crucial role in developing the area's infrastructure, establishing schools, and creating a sense of community.

The arrival of the Illinois Central Railroad in the 1850s played a significant role in the county's development, connecting towns and facilitating trade. The railroad brought increased economic opportunities, leading to the establishment of new industries and a growing population. Agriculture also played a vital role in Champaign County's economy, with farmers taking advantage of the fertile soil to grow a variety of crops such as corn, soybeans, and wheat.

Over the years, Champaign County has become known for its educational institutions. In 1867, the University of Illinois was founded in Urbana, which quickly became a leading research institution. The university's presence has greatly influenced the county, attracting scholars, businesses, and cultural activities. Today, Champaign County remains a vibrant and prosperous area, with a strong emphasis on education, agriculture, and innovation.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Champaign County, Illinois.

  • 1833: Champaign County is established
  • 1835: First public land sales occur in the county
  • 1850: Population reaches 5,243
  • 1855: Illinois Central Railroad begins operating in Champaign County
  • 1868: University of Illinois is founded in Champaign
  • 1893: Urbana becomes the county seat
  • 1909: First paved road is constructed in the county
  • 1942: Chanute Air Force Base is established near Rantoul
  • 1954: Memorial Stadium is built at the University of Illinois
  • 1968: Interstate 57 opens, connecting Champaign County to Chicago
  • 2000: Champaign County's population reaches 179,669