Founding and Early Development
Jacksonville was platted in 1825 by European Americans and named after General Andrew Jackson. It was designated as the county seat of Morgan County in the same year. The town experienced significant growth in its early years, quickly becoming a prominent settlement in central Illinois.
Emergence as an Educational Hub: “The Athens of the West”
A crucial aspect of Jacksonville’s history is its early and profound commitment to education and social institutions, which earned it the moniker “The Athens of the West.” Several key institutions were established during this period:
- 1829: Illinois College was founded, notable for being the first college in Illinois to grant a collegiate degree. The institution was also a significant center for abolitionist thought.
- 1839: The Illinois Asylum for the Education of the Deaf and Dumb, known today as the Illinois School for the Deaf, was established. It was one of the nation’s earliest state-supported schools dedicated to educating deaf students.
- 1846: The Jacksonville Female Academy was founded. This institution later evolved into MacMurray College, which, despite its eventual closure, played a vital role in women’s education for many decades.
- 1849: The Illinois Institution for the Education of the Blind, now the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired, was established, further solidifying Jacksonville’s reputation as a center for specialized education and care.
Abraham Lincoln’s Connections
Abraham Lincoln maintained significant professional and political connections with Jacksonville. He frequently practiced law in the city, arguing cases at the Morgan County Courthouse. One of his notable public appearances in Jacksonville was a powerful speech delivered in 1854, where he spoke out against the Kansas-Nebraska Act, a key moment in the burgeoning anti-slavery movement and his own political ascent.
Role in the Underground Railroad
Jacksonville was an active and important station on the Underground Railroad. Influenced by the strong abolitionist sentiments present, particularly at Illinois College, many residents and community leaders courageously provided shelter, aid, and passage to enslaved people seeking freedom in the North.
Civil War Period
During the American Civil War (1861-1865), Jacksonville made substantial contributions to the Union effort. The city was home to prominent military leaders, including General Benjamin Grierson, celebrated for his daring cavalry raid through Confederate territory. The community actively supported the war through enlistment of soldiers and provision of resources.
