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The Macomb Area Conventions and Vistitors Bureau welcomes you to our historic and vibrant city, sometimes known as 'Forgottonia.' As a tourist destination, Forgottonia, IL is hard to beat with it's vibrant mix of unique shopping, arts & entertainment, casual & fine dining, events & attractions and sports & leisure, coupled with fertile fields, historic landmarks, Amish country and rustic small-town charm. All this is set against a backdrop of rural splendor and panoramic pastoral beauty.

If you're considering a family trip, planning an event, or just looking for a perfect weekend getaway, we're the place to Relax, Explore & Enjoy. That's what makes Forgottonia unforgettable.

What is "Forgottonia?"

Variously described as a new U.S. state or an independent republic, Forgottonia is the name given to a 16 county region in West Central Illinois in the late 1960s and early 1970s.  The Republic of Forgottonia eventually became a fictional political secession movement in the early 1970s conceived by McDonough County residents because of a lack of support for transportation and infrastructure projects in the area.  

According to a 2010 article in the McDonough County Voice, “The idea is that we would secede from the Union, immediately declare war, surrender, then apply for foreign aid.” 

Forgottonia never did secede, but the movement succeeded. It drew national attention to the region’s transportation and infrastructure plight. Amtrak brought trains back to the area in 1972 and highways have seen some improvement since Forgottonia put itself on the map.

From Kickapoo Indians to early European settlers, from the small town where Lincoln practiced law to today's thriving community, the stories of this uniquely Midwestern community are told at the McLean County Museum of History. The museum traces its roots back to 1892, the year the McLean County Historical Society was founded. Housed inside the old McLean County Courthouse on the Downtown Bloomington square where an up-and-coming Abraham Lincoln practiced law, the museum features permanent and national, awardwinning rotating exhibits that explore the history of Central Illinois.

A great first stop is the Mt.Pulaski Historical Museum and Visitor Center. The museum has a variety of displays that tell the town's history from 1836 till today. As you walk through the first floor you will see items such as a 19th-century buggy, military uniforms that date back to the Civil War, and even the guestbook from the Mt. Pulaski House Hotel when William McKinley, Grover Cleveland, Teddy Roosevelt, and John D. Rockefeller stayed for the 1900 Republican Rally. One of the rooms used to be home to the First National Bank and still has the original teller booths and bank vault. This building is also home to the Genealogical Center of Mt. Pulaski. 

Also known as the "Road That Built the Nation", the Historic National Road was created in 1806 by legislation signed by President Thomas Jefferson. Sometimes called "The Cumberland Road" and "The Old Pike", it was the only road completely built with federal funds.

Originally winding from Cumberland, Maryland to Vandalia, Illinois, the National Road opened Illinois to settlement. Today, the Illinois National Road stretches 164 miles from Marshall to East St. Louis and is mirrored by U.S. Route 40 and Interstate 70. Visitors can see where Lincoln’s political career began, marvel at a giant catsup bottle, and enjoy the food, festivals, and fun that make the Historic National Road a relaxed journey through Americana.

The place to get your information, brochures and your questions about Nauvoo answered. 

“A house divided against itself cannot stand...” These immortal words were spoken by Abraham Lincoln in the historic Old State Capitol Hall of Representatives in the turbulent days preceding the Civil War. He tried several hundred cases in the Supreme Court, borrowed books from the state library, and read and swapped stories with other lawyers and politicians in the law library. On May 3 & 4, 1865, Mr. Lincoln’s body lay in state in Representatives Hall as a crowd estimated at 75,000 filed past to pay their last respects. 

The Ottawa Visitors Center was established to serve the traveling public with information on lodging, attractions, events and tourism amenities.

The Ottawa Visitors Center provides the opportunity for many historical tours. On our mural tour you will see locations as well as hear stories about Abraham Lincoln during his many visits to Ottawa. Contact us to learn more!

Start your visit with a stop at the Quincy CVB to get all the local information on where to visit and great local places to eat and stay.

Pickup brochures for driving tours of the Fr. Tolton sites and the Mormon refuge sites.  Fr. Tolton, the first African-American priest in the United States, escaped slavery as a child during the Civil War and came with his mother and siblings to Quincy.  During the winter of 1838-39, Quincy provided a haven for the Mormons escaping Missouri before they settled in Nauvoo.  

Get your visitor information at the Lake Area Shelbyville visitor center in downtown Shelbyville.

Stop by to find all the information you need to help create your legendary experience in Springfield. One of our travel experts is available to help you with any of your questions. Parking passes are available for metered parking spaces – just ask! While you are there, be sure to see the installation of the Lincoln-Herndon Law Office as well as the U.S. Post Office, which was located in the building from 1841-1849. Located on the first floor of the Lincoln-Herndon Law Office across from the Old State Capitol.