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John Marshall House Museum: A Glimpse into Illinois' Past

Explore pioneer life and banking history at the John Marshall House Museum in Old Shawneetown, Illinois' historically rich landmark.

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The John Marshall House Museum in Old Shawneetown, Illinois, is a reconstruction of the early 19th-century home of John Marshall, a prominent banker in the Illinois Territory. While the original was demolished in 1974, this replica showcases pioneer life and the history of the state's first bank.

A brief summary to John Marshall House Museum

  • 440-498 Main St, Shawneetown, Illinois, 62984, US

Local tips

  • Check the museum's limited opening hours (Friday to Sunday, Mother's Day to end of October) before planning your visit.
  • Combine your visit with other nearby historical sites in Old Shawneetown, such as the Shawneetown Bank State Historic Site and the Old Shawneetown Village Hall.
  • Consider visiting Shawnee National Forest, easily accessible from Shawneetown, for outdoor activities.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The John Marshall House Museum is located in Old Shawneetown, easily walkable from other historical sites in the area, such as the Shawneetown Bank State Historic Site. From the intersection of Main Street and 1st Street, walk west on Main Street. The museum will be on your left. No costs are associated with walking.

  • Driving

    If driving from New Shawneetown, follow Main Street (US-13) east towards Old Shawneetown. As you enter Old Shawneetown, continue on Main Street. The John Marshall House Museum will be on the left. Parking is generally available on the street near the museum. There are no parking fees.

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Discover more about John Marshall House Museum

Step back in time at the John Marshall House Museum, a portal into early 19th-century life in Illinois. Located in Old Shawneetown, this isn't just a museum; it's a reconstruction of the home of John Marshall, a key figure who established the first bank in the Illinois Territory. While the original structure, one of the oldest brick buildings in Illinois, met its end in 1974, this meticulous reproduction stands as a tribute to the past. Inside, you'll discover pioneer furnishings, historical documents, and captivating photographs that narrate the story of the region. Imagine the bustling atmosphere of the first bank, where John Marshall himself oversaw operations, printing its own currency in denominations of $1, $2, $3, $5, and $7. Legend has it that Marshall once turned down a loan request from a Chicago businessman, believing the city was too far to ever amount to much. The museum also touches on the broader history of Shawneetown, once a vital port and one of the first towns chartered by the Federal Government. The town played a role in the Lewis and Clark Expedition and later endured the devastating flood of 1937, which led to the establishment of New Shawneetown. The Tent City Commemorative Stone on the museum grounds honors the refugee families displaced by the flood. Visiting the John Marshall House Museum offers a unique perspective on Illinois' early days, its economic development, and the lives of the pioneers who shaped the region. It's a chance to connect with history in a tangible way, surrounded by artifacts and stories of a bygone era.

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