Tag: history

  • Danville, Looking for Lincoln and Vermillion County Museum IL

    Danville, Illinois Danville Illinois started out as a hub for 3 Native American Tribes – Kickapoo, Miami, and Potawatomi. In 1827, 80 acres of land was donated and lots sold which started Danville. In 1838, the Potawatomi Trail of Death camped and passed through Danville. Abraham Lincoln was a lawyer with the 8th Judicial Court.…

  • Pontiac, Pontiac, or Obwaandi’eyaag?

    We went to Pontiac, Illinois to get Kate’s National Park Passport Book stamped, but we parked in the wrong place about two blocks away. Instead of the museum complex, we parked near the Pontiac-Oakland Auto Museum that had a bunch of Pontiac cars. Ironically, Pontiac, Illinois is not named for the Pontiac car, and no…

  • Kennekuk County Park with 1000 gallon tank!

    Vermillion County Illinois used to be known for coal mines and manufacturing. When the coal mining ended and manufacturing decreased, parks were created. Kennekuk Park boasted a 1000-gallon aquarium. This sounds huge but turns out to not be as big as you think. Can you find the fish? The park also boasts Lake Mingo, multiple…

  • Fischer Theatre, Danville IL

    In 1880 at a cost of $24,000, the Grand Opera House (now called Fischer Theatre) was built and became a hopping place starting out with live shows. In 1912, the building was closed and remodeled. Upon reopening in 1913, the name changed to Fischer Theatre. Later years, movie projector equipment was added along with a…