HISTORIC PRESERVATION

Lincoln Circuit Markers

One project undertaken by Illinois DAR members was the identification of several Lincoln Circuit Markers. There were 19 markers originally placed throughout the Eighth Judicial Circuit where Abraham Lincoln practiced law. The original markers were erected in 1922 and 1923 and many were damaged or missing. Locating the markers played a key role in celebrating the 200th birthday of Abraham Lincoln's birth.

Restoration of George Rogers Clark Monument

The statue of General George Rogers Clark at Fort Massac State Park in Metropolis, Illinois was badly in need of refurbishing. It was especially important for the General to look good as the park's 100th birthday was to be held in November 2008. The Illinois Organization Daughters of the American Revolution stepped in to help by raising funds to refurbish the statue. In 1908 the DAR purchased 24 acres surrounding the site and Fort Massac was officially dedicated as Illinois' first state park.

Liberty benches were placed at seven historic locations throughout Illinois. They are located at:
Ulysses S. Grant home in Galena, Ill.; Decatur, Ill.; the historic train station in Flora, Ill.; Fort Massac State Park in Metropolis; in Blackhawk State Park, Moline, Ill.; the historic Graue Mill & Museum in Oak Brook, Ill.; and in Courthouse Square in Hillsboro, Ill.

Madonna of the Trail

The Daughters of the American Revolution originally placed 12 Madonna of the Trail monuments along the old National Road. They feature a pioneer woman clasping her baby, with her young son clinging to her skirts. This monument in Vandalia, Illinois, sits on a corner across from the former Illinois State House. The eighth Madonna of the Trail monument erected, the Illinois monument was originally dedicated on October 26, 1928. The Illinois DAR refurbished the Madonna monument and it was rededicated in 2005.

Illinois Room, DAR Museum

The Illinois room is one of 31 state-sponsored period rooms in the DAR Museum in Washington, D.C.. It represents a 1840s “best” bedchamber in a wealthy household where the husband and wife slept. The best bedchamber was not just a place for sleeping, as women spent much time in the bedchamber birthing, nursing and caring for children. Therefore the best bedchamber was set up in the most comfortable manner with tables and chairs for doing work and socializing. You can view all of the period rooms here.

National Patriots Bell Tower and Carillon

The DAR erected a memorial bell tower at the Washington Memorial Chapel in the heart of the Valley Forge National Park. The tower houses a carillon of 80 bells, one of which was purchased by the Illinois DAR. Dedications and memorial plaques honoring America's military cover the interior of the tower.