MUSEUMS & HISTORIC SITES:

Vermilion County War Museum
(217) 431-0034 or (800) 383-4386

A military museum featuring memorabilia and artifacts from every conflict our country has been involved in, from the Revolutionary War to Operation Iraqi Freedom.  Over 13,000 square feet on two floors features thousands of items including an extensive library, personal scrapbooks, memoirs, and photographs.  Displays include: wood from "Old Ironsides", an original bronze "Remember the Maine" plaque, Kenneth E. Bailey's Congressional Medal of Honor, Civil War battle flags, and many other significant pieces.  Voted one of the finest museums of its type in the country.

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VERMILION COUNTY MUSEUM COMPLEX & ATTRACTIONS:

Vermilion County Museum  
(217) 442-2922
(National Register of Historic Places)
116 N. Gilbert, Danville
Opened in the spring of 2002, this new museum is a near replica of the 1833 country courthouse where Lincoln practiced law from 1841 to 1859.

Fithian Home
(217) 442-2922
Housed in a home owned by William Fithian, Civil war surgeon and personal friend of Abraham Lincoln. The south balcony, from which Lincoln gave a speech in 1858, and the bedroom he used on his many visits , remain as they were.  On a special note, the Joseph G. Cannon (Uncle Joe) room contains personal items of Cannon who served in the U.S. House for 46 years and was Speaker from 1903 to 1911. It is on the grounds of the Vermilion County museum complex.

Lamon House
(217) 442-2922
Lincoln Park, N. Logan Ave., Danville
1840's Greek Revival Cottage built by Joseph Lamon, cousin of Ward Hill Lamon, Lincoln's law partner and bodyguard.  Open Sundays during the summer season or by appointment. It is not on the grounds of the Vermilion County museum complex.

Mann's Chapel
(217) 442-2922
Rossville, IL.
Built in 1857, the oldest church in Vermilion County.
Tours available by appointment. It is not on the grounds of the Vermilion County museum complex.

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OTHER HISTORIC SITES:

Bunker Hill Historic Area (Kennekuk Cove County Park)
 (217) 442-1619
Vermilion Chapel, the oldest frame structured church in the county (1886) Red Oak School (1917), Neff Grocery (1912), Barber Shop (1901), the Atwood Home (1892), the Bismarck Train Depot (1974), railroad dining car (C&EI-1947), and Laury Barn (1912).

Salt Kettle
(217) 354-2117
At the Salt Kettle Rest Area off I-74 East.
Monument recognizes the Salines of the Vermilion, Vermilion County's first industry, referred to in French records as early as 1706.

Springhill Cemetery
(217) 442-0334
Situated between English and Voorhees Streets, two blocks east of Vermilion Street in Danville.
Established in 1864, find the graves of Danville's founders and of Abraham Lincoln's friends and other historical figures such as General John C. Black and "Uncle Joe" Cannon.

The Depot Museum
(217) 748-6615 or (217) 748-6153
210 East Benton St., Rossville, IL 61834
The Depot, built by the C&EI railroad in 1903, has been restored to the 1950's era. The Museum features a wide collection of historical railroad memorabilia. Some of those featured include the C&EI, Wabash, Illinois Terminal and NYC. The museum is open from Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day weekend. Hours are noon to 4 on Saturdays and Sundays and noon to 5 on holiday weekends. Groups are welcome and tours can be arranged from April 1st through September 30th.

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Searching for your Ancestors?

Illiana Genealogical & Historical Society
(217) 431-8733
215 West North Street, Danville, IL

Danville Public Library
(217) 447-5220
319 North Vermilion Street, Danville, IL

Vermilion County Museum
(217) 442-2922
116 North Gilbert, Danville, IL