A Suburban Showcase

— Lincoln Highway —

Plainfield is reported to be the oldest community in Will County, situated along the DuPage River it quickly became a summer suburban vacation spot for much of northern Illinois. Before automobile travel on the Lincoln Highway became the preferred mode of transportation, interurban railroads were established such as the Aurora, Plainfield & Joliet Railroad. This electric rail line served to further boost Plainfield's own transportation system and connected the three communities.
To promote travel and encourage weekend travel to the area, the Aurora, Plainfield & Joliet Railroad opened Electric Park to the public in 1904. The fabulous park offered lavish gardens flanking the banks of the DuPage River, as well as athletic grounds, bandstands, dancing pavilions and the 5,000 seat auditorium featuring a large pipe organ. Cabins featuring electric, gas and water service were also available to the vacationer.
The Village of Plainfield remained easily accessible to Lincoln Highway travelers and continued to grow and prosper; developing into the county's fastest growing community at the time.
Throughout the nation parks that were accessible by interurban rail lines were a popular destination for weekend entertainment. Over time with the emergence of paved roads there was less need for interurban transportation. This caused financial hardship for the electric line and Electric Park closed in 1932.
While Traveling the Lincoln Highway...
· Lincoln Highway Interpretive Murals now in Creston, DeKalb and Rochelle with forty more planned along the highway.
· Lincoln Highway Interpretive Exhibit is located in the Dixon Welcome Center.
· Lincoln Highway's First Concrete Mile, the Seedling Mile, is located in Malta.
· Interactive Kiosk in Aurora, check web site for location.
Check the web site for locations of the Lincoln Highway Traveling Exhibit.
www.drivelincolnhighway.com
The Interpretive Gazebo Project was partially funded through a National Scenic Byway Grant from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), with support from the Village of Plainfield. The project was coordinated by the Illinois Lincoln Highway Coalition, the management agency for the Illinois Lincoln Highway National Scenic Byway. Grant funds were provided to tell the history and heritage of the Lincoln Highway in Illinois and stories of our corridor communities.
Images provided by Debra Olsen

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Show me all markers in:  Plainfield, IL  |  Will County  |  60544  |  Illinois  |  United States of America

Great American Crossroads in Illinois
Interurban Transportation
The Lincoln Highway - The nation's first coast-to-coast highway!
E J & E Depot No. 4
Boxcars
Caboose
The Development of Downtown Plainfield
Downtown Historic District
Opera House Block Building Landmark
Masonic Block Building Landmark

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