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Leclaire Historic District: A Visionary Village

Discover Leclaire Historic District in Edwardsville, IL: A unique 19th-century model village showcasing innovative social and industrial ideals.

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The Leclaire Historic District in Edwardsville, Illinois, is a well-preserved 19th-century neighborhood founded in 1890 by N.O. Nelson as a model cooperative village for the employees of his manufacturing company. Inspired by progressive ideals, Leclaire offered affordable homes, a healthy environment, and opportunities for recreation and self-improvement. Today, it stands as a testament to social innovation and thoughtful community planning.

A brief summary to LeClaire Historic District

  • 998-800 Holyoake Rd, Edwardsville, Illinois, 62025, US
  • Visit website

Local tips

  • Attend the annual Leclaire Parkfest in October for a celebration of the district's history and community spirit.
  • Explore Leclaire Lake Park, one of Edwardsville's oldest and most beautiful parks, for a relaxing stroll or picnic.
  • Take a self-guided walking tour of the district to admire the diverse architecture and learn about the key historical landmarks.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Leclaire Historic District is located in Edwardsville, Illinois. From the Edwardsville City Park, head east on West Vandalia Street. Turn right onto South Buchanan Street, then turn left onto Holyoake Road. The Leclaire Historic District will be on your right. Walking distance is approximately 1 mile.

  • Public Transport

    Madison County Transit (MCT) provides bus service to Edwardsville. From the Edwardsville bus station, several routes connect to the Leclaire area. Check the MCT website or app for schedules and real-time updates. A single ride fare is typically $1. MCT also offers a microtransit service in Edwardsville, providing on-demand transportation within designated zones for a small fee. Check the MCT website for the designated boundaries.

Unlock the Best of LeClaire Historic District

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Discover more about LeClaire Historic District

The Leclaire Historic District, nestled in the heart of Edwardsville, Illinois, offers a glimpse into a unique social and industrial experiment from the late 19th century. Founded in 1890 by N.O. Nelson, the district was conceived as a model village for the workers of his N.O. Nelson Manufacturing Company, a plumbing supply firm. Nelson, influenced by the cooperative movement and thinkers like Edward Bellamy, sought to create a community that fostered contentment and well-being for its residents. Leclaire was designed as a garden community, with open green spaces, flower beds, and tree-lined streets. Nelson even provided free plants and flowers to residents and awarded prizes for the best gardens. The village boasted affordable homes with uniform setbacks and curvilinear streets, designed by renowned engineer and surveyor Julius Pitzman. Residents enjoyed access to free education at the Leclaire Academy, recreational facilities like Leclaire Lake Park, and pleasant working conditions at the factory. The factory itself was designed with worker comfort and safety in mind, featuring large windows, skylights, and a sprinkler system. Though annexed by Edwardsville in 1934, the Leclaire Historic District retains much of its original character and charm. Today, visitors can explore the district's well-preserved homes, admire the architecture, and learn about the history of this innovative community. Leclaire Lake Park remains a focal point, hosting events like the annual Leclaire Parkfest and serving as a backdrop for countless photographs. The Leclaire Historic District stands as a reminder of a time when industry and social ideals converged to create a truly unique place to live and work.

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