National Register Listing

Stinson Memorial Library

a.k.a. Stinson Library

409 S. Main St., Anna, IL
Local significance of the building:
Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1978.

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.

architecture library
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
Union County, Illinois has a rich and diverse history that dates back to the early 19th century. The area was originally home to Native American tribes, including the Shawnee and Illini, who were later displaced by European settlers. The region played a significant role in the westward expansion of the United States and the development of the state of Illinois.

The first permanent European settlement in what is now Union County was established in the early 1800s. The area quickly grew in population, attracting settlers from a variety of backgrounds. The county was officially established as a separate administrative unit in 1818, the same year that Illinois was admitted to the Union as the 21st state.

Union County played a pivotal role in the American Civil War, with both Union and Confederate sympathizers residing within its borders. The county was heavily influenced by the conflict, and experienced several skirmishes and military engagements. Notably, the town of Jonesboro in Union County was the site of the third Illinois senatorial debate between Abraham Lincoln and Stephen Douglas in 1858.

Throughout its history, Union County has been shaped by its agricultural heritage, with many residents engaged in farming and related industries. The county's fertile soil and favorable climate have made agriculture a prominent economic activity, particularly in the production of corn and soybeans. In recent years, there has also been a growing interest in agritourism, with visitors drawn to farms and wineries in the area.

Today, Union County continues to be a vibrant community, offering a mix of natural beauty, historical landmarks, and cultural attractions. It remains an important part of Illinois' agricultural landscape, while also embracing tourism and preserving its unique history.

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

  • 1818: Union County is established as one of the three original counties of Illinois.
  • 1839: Jonesboro becomes the county seat of Union County.
  • 1858: The Lincoln-Douglas Debates are held in Jonesboro, attracting national attention.
  • 1861-1865: Union County actively participates in the American Civil War.
  • 1875: General John A. Logan, a Union Army officer, is elected from Union County to the United States Congress.
  • 1930s: The Great Depression leads to economic hardships in Union County.
  • 1960s: The Shawnee National Forest is established, providing recreational opportunities for locals and visitors.
  • 1998: The Mississippi River floods, causing significant damage to Union County.
  • Present: Union County continues to be a rural area with a strong agricultural and tourism industry.