Picture courtesy of Jim Kuntz

Here we honor the spirit of the place called "Shawneetown." This proud spirit was born in the heart of the first stalwart Shawnee brave who saw in this beautiful river site, a homing place. It ignited in the first white settler 17 years before the city was surveyed and platted by the U. S. Government in 1810. It burned higher and higher through the years, until the tiny settlement grew into the most important City in Illinois. The historic visit of General Lafayette in 1825 signified the position of the city. The town still boasts of the application for a loan received from the then small city of Chicago. Due to a severe succession of floods, many of the proud people merely moved with their city to higher ground a few mile away, insuring the safety of its citizens while still maintaining the roots deep in the historic oldest town in Illinois.
In the summer of 1960, the spirit of Shawneetown manifest itself in a gigantic Sesquicentennial celebration. Each citizen freely gave of his mind, heart and endless energy to commemorate our heritage. Mementos of the Grand Parades, the spectacular exhibits, and the highly renowned pageant lie safely preserved here in the earth for those who follow us. All who stand upon this spot and think of these things have met the spirit of Shawneetown.

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