Jacksonville, Illinois, was built on ground-breaking education, rich farmland and commerce fed by good transportation. It remains on that solid footing today.
One of the oldest towns in the Land of Lincoln, Jacksonville and the surrounding area boasts the state’s first college, its first public high school, some of the largest crop yields in the nation and a river-rail-road intersection to support all manner of business.
Neighborhoods of historic homes on streets arched with trees are within walking distance of a renovating downtown, national stores and Fortune 500 businesses — and to one of its six public elementary schools.
Large, modern housing developments for executives overlook a golf course, and cozy, supportive communities for retirees are down the street from a 21st century medical district anchored by a state-of-the-art hospital.
More than 175 years old, Jacksonville is justifiably proud of its history. It has provided three governors to Illinois — it remains the home of the only executive mansion outside of Springfield — and the town trained politicians of national renown. It was a hotbed of abolition and a major junction of the Underground Railroad.
Jacksonville now sits at the intersection of the Interstate highway system and a four-lane corridor being built between St. Louis and the Quad cities, with easy access to rail and the nation’s great rivers.
In recent years, the town has caught the eye of major retailers that have built or expanded in town, recognizing the potential. The city shares that optimism and is in the midst of a major renovation of its downtown that promises to bring more commerce and entertainment to the town’s historic center.
Most of all, Jacksonville is a community of volunteers, where residents feel connected and feel an ownership stake in the town, expressed by active educational, religious, social and service organizations — some 150 years old or older — working to make Jacksonville an enjoyable place to live, work, play, shop and learn.
This new Jacksonville area website is brought to you by an exciting community partnership between the Jacksonville Area Chamber of Commerce and the Jacksonville Journal-Courier. Use it to explore all Jacksonville has to offer!
The Talent Among Us Competition
sponsored by the Jacksonville Symphony and Orchestra and Chorale on February 27 at 7 p.m. For more information, please call 245-1181.
Look Good... Feel Better
sponsored by the American Cancer Society on February 23 at Passavant Area Hospital from 6 to 8 p.m. in classroom A. To register or for more information, please call Sara at (217)523-4503 ext. 3.
High School Musical 2
presented by the Jacksonville Theatre Guild on February 18, 19, 20 with matinees on February 20 & 21 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $12.00 for adults and $6.00 for children. For more information, call 245-1402.
Candy Gram
sponsored by Pathway Services. Only $5 - includes an assortment of candy and a personalized message from you. Delivery within Jacksonville city limits on Thursday, February 11 and Friday, February 12. Orders must be received by Tuesday, February 9 at 4 p.m. Please call 479-2300.
Rotary Valentine's Dinner/Dance
the 8th Annual Rotary Valentine's Dinner & Dance will be Friday, February 12th at Hamilton's, 110 North East. The evening begins at 5:30 p.m. with dinner served at 6:30 p.m. followed by dancing to the Kevin Turner Trio at 7:30 p.m. Tickets ar $30 per person. For additional information, please email valentines@jacksonvillerotary.org or call and leave a message at 217-408-0055.
A Very Special Doll-i-day!
hosted by the Midwest Youth Services on Sunday, February 14th from 1-4 p.m. at Hamilton's South Ball Room. Tickets are $20 per person that includes a Tea Party, entertainment, a visit to the doll hospital and dress-up station, and one entry into a raffle for an American Girl Doll. Tickets are available at the Chamber of Commerce. For more information, call 245-6000.
Work Opportunity Tax Credit Workshop
A three hour workshop that will focus on one of the "best-kept secrets" in the state of Illinois: A federal tax credit program that enables employers to receive a tax credit on personnel that have already been hired. The workshop will be held on Tuesday, February 16 at the U of I Extension Center, 401 N. Walnut St., in Winchester. For more information, call 245-5148 and ask for Monica.
Routt Winter Ball
will be held on February 20 at Hamilton's, 100 North East from 6:30 p.m. to 12 a.m. Tickets are $30 per person that includes meal, select complimentary beverages, and DJ entertainment. The Alumni Association awards will be presented at the Ball. Call 245-0934 for information and to request reservations.
United Way Snow Day
a fundraiser for the Prairieland United Way will be held February 26 from 7:30 - 10:30 p.m. to be held at the Jacksonville Country Club. Tickets are $10 per ticket and includes complimentary appetizers, 50/50 drawing, door prizes, music and cash bar. Tickets are available at the Chamber of Commerce.
The Grierson Society Winter Ball
will be held Saturday, February 27 at Hamilton's, 110 North East. The event will include a cocktail hour beginning at 5 p.m., a silent auction, music written by General Benjamin Grierson, dinner and dancing. Tickets are $30 per person or reserve a table of 8 for $225. Tickets are available at the Chamber of Commerce.
Follow in the Steps of Abraham Lincoln
Looking for Lincoln - Voices of Jacksonville Audio Tour.
Follow in the Steps of Abraham Lincoln through Historic Jacksonville, Illinois.
Jacksonville has a rich and vibrant history beyond Abraham Lincoln. The city was home to two Civil War generals, a vocal abolitionist community, an active Underground Railroad network, and more!
Business After Hours
The Jacksonville Area Chamber of Commerce offers members an opportunity to promote their products and services on an exclusive basis in a program called BUSINESS AFTER HOURS. This program is predicated on the basis of the need for businessmen and women to get together in a social atmosphere to exchange ideas, discuss common concerns, learn about new products on the market, new techniques, and new opportunities within the Chamber membership. Click above for the Business After Hours Guidelines.
Upcoming Business After Hours:
Thursday, February 11 - Tom Finch Automotive, 5-7 p.m., 1025 W. Walnut
Explore Jacksonville Directory of Advertisers, click here.
Calendar of EventsFor the latest events, click here.
Local Weather, Local Weather Details
