Fulton home to Lincoln Highway landmark: Interpretative gazebo built near windmill

FULTON – Calling all highway history hounds: One of 16 Illinois Lincoln Highway Gazebos has been installed in Fulton, at the corner of Third Street and 10th Avenue.

The gazebos are part of an interpretive marketing plan showcasing the history of the Illinois Lincoln Highway. Each gazebo includes four panels that map highway history and explain the highway’s impact on each of the communities.

Local historian Nancy Kolk and Tourism Director Heather Bennett assisted with research and photos for Fulton’s community panel, which includes information about Fulton’s Dutch heritage, businesses along the Lincoln Highway, and its location along the Mississippi River.

The Lyons Fulton Bridge was credited as the “official crossing” over the Mississippi River for travelers heading west, and photos captured on the Fulton panel include the Lyons Fulton Bridge, a tourist campground and a car repair shop which continues to operate as Wendel Repair.

Next spring, Americana bunting and landscaping will be added to Fulton’s gazebo.

Crews recently finished Dixon’s gazebo, at the corner of Galena Avenue and River Street.

Sterling also has one of the historic stops, at Lincoln Park on Fourth Street.

A grant from the Federal Highway Administration covered 80 percent of each gazebo’s cost; the remaining 20 percent – about $3,000 each – was paid by each community.

The gazebos stretch from Fulton to Chicago Heights. Three panels discuss the project and the highway, which was the first paved road in Illinois. One panel in each gazebo is unique to the community.