A look back at the year marking 200 years of community in Jacksonville
By Ben Cox
Editor’s Note: Thanks to those photographers whose images appear in this issue: ElCrow Photography, Kyla Hurt, Ryan Mason and those submitted to The Source.
The City of Jacksonville spent 2025 celebrating its 200 years of existence. We close out the year with this edition of The Source that looks back on the bicentennial.
An anniversary like this one is a great time to honor the past and be mindful of the future. The roots and stories of many families here run deep, and it is a pleasure to be part of the telling of this ongoing tale that continues to unfold before us.
It was March 1825 when the town of Jacksonville was laid out on 80 acres of land. It first contained only a few dozen families and transient homesteaders but would soon grow into the “Athens of the West” by the middle of the 19th century.
Fast forward a bit and by the late 1820s, New England settlers arrived and the Yale Bands of the intellectual and religious groups of the east began to settle in this tiny town, transforming it into an intellectual, spiritual, agricultural, industrial and commercial center for the entire state.
The City of Jacksonville is like a big family—sometimes dysfunctional, sometimes beautiful. It is rich in history, culture, music, art and activity. Many have witnessed the renaissance of the downtown square, the closure of many pinnacle businesses and historic institutions, and the ebb and flow of business and population as Jacksonville faces the similar struggles and triumphs of many Midwestern towns in the 21st century.
This year, we have observed how the past has informed our future as we have learned, flexed and bent with the times. The community has shown that it continues to lead other West Central Illinois communities in heart, wisdom and compassion as it moves forward into a future that often feels unsure and uncertain.
One thing that has remained constant over the city’s 200 years, however, is that the people have always known how to celebrate a grand occasion.
And celebrate we did.
A myriad of special events took place this year to commemorate Jacksonville’s bicentennial, including a January gala kickoff, historical presentations and a visit from the Budweiser Clydesdales. Many annual events incorporated the bicentennial as well.
Celebrations culminated with the Bicentennial Finale on October 4. The day started with an astounding 86-entry Illinois College Homecoming Parade. Then, for the rest of the day, no Jacksonville resident or family could say they were bored. Just about every hour on the hour until 8 p.m., there was an activity to enjoy for all ages. Food, live music, art, bubbles, a petting zoo, carnival rides (a Ferris wheel, of course), activities and more filled the downtown square. Historical tours via trolley were also available. One of the more emotional moments of the afternoon was the reading of several special letters from within the 1975 time capsule that had been unearthed earlier in the year.
The evening was capped off by a one-of-a-kind lighted drone show over the north part of the square. Showing images akin to Jacksonville’s vibrant history, it was truly iconic seeing it all light up the night sky.
This edition of The Source Newspaper symbolizes an end as well as a beginning—signifying renewal and change as we face the next 200 years ahead.
The new torch of the City of Jacksonville has now been passed. When you look at photographs from the 2025 Jacksonville Bicentennial celebrations upon these pages, allow yourself to be reminded that we are the heirs of a town’s great history and heritage; think of this as we move forward.
Let us remember the joy and the love that we felt as we came together this year to celebrate our forebears and plan for what yet lies ahead. Remember the stories and pass them down to the generations that were not here to celebrate with us.
Anniversaries like this mark the time and will be a story told in the history of Jacksonville for years to come—long after the ink from these pages has faded and turned to dust.
What a marked occasion the Jacksonville Bicentennial has been. We hope you enjoy as you reminisce.
Happy 200, Jacksonville. Here’s to centuries more.
