SJ0062 96TH GENERAL ASSEMBLY

SJ0062 LRB096 12553 KXB 25777 r

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION

WHEREAS, In an Act enacted by the Fifth General Assembly and approved on February 12, 1827, the road from Springfield to Peoria was declared a State Road; and

WHEREAS, The Springfield to Peoria Road became Illinois' major artery for trade, commerce, passenger stage and mail delivery in the early 19th century; and

WHEREAS, Abraham Lincoln traveled this road as an attorney in the Eighth Judicial Circuit and during his campaign for the Presidency and he also sponsored legislation affecting the road; and

WHEREAS, The description of the Trail is as follows: the route leading north from Springfield using present day nomenclature would be from the Springfield city street Peoria Road. This street joins with Business 55 and crosses the Sangamon River as Business 55. Before reaching the town of Sherman, the original route veers to the west side of Sherman onto Old Tipton School Road still heading north. At the "T" intersection which is Andrew Road, the route turns west until the next intersection which is Illinois Route 124 heading north. The route continues north on Illinois Route 124 through the intersection of Illinois Route 123 and becomes Fancy Prairie Road. The route now enters Menard County. Continue north on Fancy Prairie Road until the road curves to the east with an intersection to the north. Turn north onto Peoria Road and continue north to a "T" intersection which is Middletown Blacktop. Turn east to the town of Middletown. The route is now in Logan County. The route leads north from Middletown connecting with the town of New Holland via 100th East Avenue. Leading north from New Holland on 100th East Avenue continue north until reaching Illinois Route 136. Turn east on Illinois Route 136 and continue to 300th East Avenue. Turn north on 300th East Avenue, which is Delavan Road and continue to the town of Delavan. The route is now in Tazewell County. Leading north from Delavan on Locust Street, continue until intersecting Springfield Road at Mackinaw Creek. The route continues north on Springfield Road passing through the village of Dillon and on to the town of Groveland. From Groveland continue on Springfield Road to the city of East Peoria. At East Peoria, Springfield Road connects with East Washington Street. Turning west on Washington Street which crosses the Illinois River on the Bob Michel Bridge, ending near the Franklin Street Bridge Monument in Riverfront Park in the City of Peoria; and

WHEREAS, The original trail is still intact today; it has made a significant contribution to the development of Springfield, Peoria, and all points in between; and in conjunction with the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial, a special designation for this scenic and historic corridor is appropriate; therefore, be it

RESOLVED, BY THE SENATE OF THE NINETY-SIXTH GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF THE STATE OF ILLINOIS, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING HEREIN, that the A. Lincoln and Springfield to Peoria Stage Road be designated along the route cited in this Resolution; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Illinois Department of Transportation is requested, in consultation with the Lincoln Heritage Foundation of Logan County and others, to erect at suitable locations, consistent with State regulations, plaques or signs giving notice of the name; and be it further

RESOLVED, That units of local government that maintain any portion of the Road are urged to enhance areas along the road and to erect at suitable locations, plaques or signs that have been designed by the Illinois Department of Transportation in consultation with the Lincoln Heritage Foundation of Logan County and others that gives notice of the name; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency and the Illinois Bureau of Tourism are requested to post on their Agency websites, and to produce brochures and other related matter that makes the Road known to the public; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be presented to the Illinois Secretary of Transportation, the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, Illinois Bureau of Tourism, and the Lincoln Heritage Foundation of Logan County and each of the local governments having jurisdiction over any portion of the Road.