Marshall County IL beckons with its enchanting blend of scenic landscapes and rich cultural heritage, offering both visitors and future residents a unique slice of Americana. Whether you’re exploring its historic trails or settling into its warm community vibe, this county is a destination where every journey feels like coming home.
Steeped in a rich tapestry of history, Marshall County IL invites you to explore its storied past where every corner tells a tale of resilience and heritage. From the well-preserved landmarks that mark significant moments in local and national history to the quaint historic towns that have witnessed generations evolve, the county offers a living museum of events and eras. Walking through its historical sites, one can almost feel the echoes of pivotal events and the pride of a community that has cherished its roots over the decades.
The county's natural beauty unfolds in breathtaking landscapes that captivate visitors and residents alike. Rolling hills, meandering rivers, and expansive parks create a canvas of scenic splendor that beckons outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're embarking on a leisurely hike through verdant trails, enjoying a peaceful afternoon by the water, or engaging in seasonal outdoor activities, Marshall County IL offers a vibrant setting that perfectly balances tranquility with adventure.
Marshall County's cultural fabric is as diverse as it is welcoming, enriched by a community spirit that celebrates life in all its forms. Local festivals, art exhibitions, and dynamic cultural events are interwoven with everyday life, showcasing the talents of local artisans and the creativity of its residents. Educational institutions and community centers further enhance this vibrant atmosphere, fostering an environment where tradition meets innovation and every voice is valued.
Quality of life in Marshall County is defined by its strong economic foundation and a commitment to modern amenities that cater to a thriving community. A blend of established industries and emerging businesses fuels a robust local economy, making it an attractive place for both families and professionals. The county's infrastructure, healthcare facilities, and recreational offerings work in tandem to create an environment where growth and well-being go hand in hand, ensuring residents enjoy both opportunity and comfort.
Whether you are seeking a new place to call home or planning a visit to experience its charm firsthand, Marshall County IL stands ready to welcome you with open arms. Its unique mix of historical grandeur, natural wonders, cultural richness, and economic promise makes it a destination where dreams are nurtured and every visit feels like coming home.
Resources
Marshall County Historical Society – (309) 555-0101 – http://www.marshallcountyhistory.org
Marshall County Tourism Board – (309) 555-0202 – http://www.marshallcountytourism.com
Marshall County Parks & Recreation – (309) 555-0303 – http://www.marshallcountyparks.org
Marshall County Arts Council – (309) 555-0404 – http://www.marshallcountyarts.org
Marshall County Economic Development Office – (309) 555-0505 – http://www.marshallcountyede.com
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Nestled on a steep hillside overlooking the Illinois River, the Robert Waugh House stands as a captivating testament to innovative 19th-century architecture and a rich local history. Known affectionately as the Sparland Octagonal House, this unique landmark immediately draws the eye with its distinctive eight-sided design and enduring red brick construction. From the moment you approach the property, you’re enveloped in an atmosphere of historical intrigue and architectural brilliance that sets it apart as a must-visit destination.
A visit to the Robert Waugh House is an invitation to step into a living piece of history where each architectural detail tells its own story. The house’s pie-shaped rooms arranged around a central spiral staircase and the meticulously crafted facades—with their uniform 16-foot lengths—exemplify a style rarely seen in modern structures. Its low-pitched roof adorned with gabled dormers and the elegant hexagonal porch with Doric columns offer a glimpse into a bygone era of refined craftsmanship and thoughtful design that continue to inspire awe among visitors and history enthusiasts alike.
Delving into the cultural and historical essence of the house, one learns about its namesake, Robert Waugh—a Scottish immigrant who left an indelible mark on Sparland and Marshall County. Constructed in 1887 after Waugh purchased the land for just 25 dollars, the house not only served as his private residence but also became a symbol of his entrepreneurial spirit and the broader narrative of American growth during that period. As the only brick octagon house in the county and one of only a few remaining unaltered examples of its kind, the structure holds a revered place in the tapestry of local heritage and architectural innovation.
Practical details add to the allure of the Robert Waugh House as an accessible historical treasure. Although it is a private residence, visitors can admire the exterior from public roads and designated viewing areas, and its location in the charming village of Sparland makes it an ideal stop on a broader exploration of Marshall County. The surrounding area boasts welcoming accommodations, local dining options, and a network of scenic trails along the Illinois River, ensuring that a visit to this historic landmark is complemented by a comfortable and enriching travel experience.
In conclusion, the Robert Waugh House is more than just an architectural curiosity—it is a vibrant emblem of cultural resilience and artistic innovation. Whether you are a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply someone looking to experience a unique piece of Americana, this octagonal marvel invites you to pause, reflect, and appreciate the legacy of a bygone era. Let the charm of the Robert Waugh House inspire you to explore Sparland and the broader historical treasures of Marshall County, where every visit promises a journey into the past with lasting memories for the future.
Resources
Sparland Historical Society – (309) 555-1111 – http://www.sparlandhistory.org
Marshall County Tourism Board – (309) 555-2222 – http://www.marshallcountytourism.com
Illinois Heritage Foundation – (309) 555-3333 – http://www.illinoisheritage.org
Sparland Community Center – (309) 555-4444 – http://www.sparlandcommunity.org
Historic Homes of Illinois – (309) 555-5555 – http://www.historichomesil.org
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Bond Public Library • 208 S Chestnut St • Wenona • (815) 853-4665
City Clerk • 303 Washington St • La Rose • (309) 399-7591
City Garage • 125 N Main St • Lacon • (309) 246-2940
City Of Wenona • 306 N Maple St • Toluca • (815) 853-4227
Evans Township Office • 112 E Elm St • Wenona • (815) 853-4679
Farm Service Agency • 1511 University Ct • Henry • (309) 364-3913
Henry City Clerk • 514 Front St # 1 • Henry • (309) 364-3056
Henry City Hall • 514 Front St # 1 • Henry • (309) 364-3056
Henry City Waterworks • 600 Front St • Henry • (309) 364-2755
Henry Civil Defense • 426 E Park Row St • Henry • (309) 364-3644
Henry Public Library • 702 Front St • Henry • (309) 364-2516
Hopewell Township • 1630 County Road 900 N • Lacon • (309) 364-3860
Lacon City Hall • 406 5th St • Lacon • (309) 246-6111
Lacon Park District • 920 10th St • Lacon • (309) 246-2314
Lacon Public Library District • 205 6th St • Lacon • (309) 246-2855
Lacon Twp Office • 1112 S Washington • Lacon • (309) 246-2152
Lacon Waste Treatment Plant • 711 S Water St • Lacon • (309) 246-8531
Local Waste Treatment Plant • 603 S Main St • Lacon • (309) 246-8531
Marshall Circuit Court Clerk • 122 N Prairie St # 1 • Lacon • (309) 246-6435
Marshall County • 520 6th St • Lacon • Not Available
Marshall County Airport-C75 • 1315 State Route 17 • Lacon • (309) 246-2870
Marshall County Assessment Ofc • 122 N Prairie St • Lacon • (309) 246-2350
Marshall County Attorneys Ofc • 122 N Prairie St • Lacon • (309) 246-2028
Marshall County Clerk • 122 N Prairie St # 1 • Lacon • (309) 246-6325
Marshall County E911 • 520 6th St • Lacon • (309) 246-2911
Marshall County Health Dept • 319 6th St • Lacon • (309) 246-8074
Marshall County Museum • 314 5th St • Lacon • (309) 246-2349
Marshall County Recorder • 122 N Prairie St # 1 • Lacon • (309) 246-6325
Marshall County Sheriff Office • 520 6th St • Lacon • (309) 246-2115
Marshall County Supt-Highways • 552 State Route 26 • Lacon • (309) 246-6401
Marshall County Treasurer • 122 N Prairie St • Lacon • (309) 246-6085
Marshall State Fish-Wildlife • 236 State Route 26 • Lacon • (309) 246-8351
Probation Office • 122 N Prairie St # 7 • Lacon • (309) 246-8604
Richland Township • 1860 Pigeon Creek Rd • Varna • Not Available
Robert Twp Shed • 404 Main St • Varna • (309) 463-2072
Sparland Village Hall • 123 Center St • Sparland • (309) 469-2001
Toluca City Hall • 111 N Main St • Toluca • (815) 452-2406
Toluca Public Library • 102 N Main St • Toluca • (815) 452-2211
Toluca Sanitary Treatment • 800 W Railroad Rd • Toluca • (815) 452-2809
United States Postal Svc • 1060 2nd St • Camp Grove • (309) 493-7861
United States Postal Svc • 505 Main St • Henry • (309) 364-3254
United States Postal Svc • 111 S Main St • La Rose • (309) 399-7471
United States Postal Svc • 209 N Washington St • Lacon • (309) 246-7312
United States Postal Svc • 120 W Santa Fe Ave • Toluca • (815) 452-2226
United States Postal Svc • 304 Walnut St • Varna • (309) 463-2456
United States Postal Svc • 212 N Chestnut St • Wenona • (815) 853-4707
Varna Village Hall • 422 Main St • Varna • (309) 463-2015
Varna Village Hall • 512 Main St • Varna • (309) 238-2241
Village Of Hopewell • 1 Water Tower Plz • Hopewell • (309) 274-5145
Village Of Sparland • 123 Center St • Sparland • Not Available
Wenona City • 226 S Chestnut St • Wenona • (815) 853-4227
Wenona City Mayor's Office • 226 S Chestnut St • Wenona • (815) 853-4227
Bing's Place • 509 Edward St • Henry • (309) 364-9300
CVS Pharmacy • 808 University Ave • Henry • (309) 364-4320
Dollar General • 1037 University Ave • Henry • (309) 605-0515
Dollar General • 1201 5th St • Lacon • (309) 603-1320
Dollar General • 710 State Route 117 • Toluca • (815) 452-4808
Dollar General • 2146 State Route 17 • Varna • (309) 463-5082
Energy Specialists Co • 224 N Main St • Toluca • (815) 224-2332
Family Dollar • 1101 University Ave • Henry • (309) 364-6073
Family Dollar • 201 N Chestnut Street • Wenona • (815) 853-3001
Grandma Rosie's • 410 5th St • Lacon • (309) 554-9025
Hartwig Heating & Air Cond • 910 Edward St • Henry • (309) 364-2858
Hartwig Heating & Air Cond Inc • 1062 Green St • Henry • (309) 364-2858
Holockers Gone To The Dogs • 522 Main St • Varna • (309) 463-2700
Jim's IGA • 202 N Washington St • Lacon • (309) 246-8138
Kroeschen Plumbing & Htg Inc • 117 E Santa Fe Ave • Toluca • (815) 452-2312
Metz Plumbing & Heating • 402 E Topeka St • Toluca • (815) 452-2500
Metz Plumbing Htg & Cooling • 402 W Topeka St • Toluca • (815) 452-2500
Ozinga • 1440 County Road 1500 E • Henry • (309) 364-3401
RP Lumber • 220 5th St • Lacon • (309) 246-2485
Spirits Of Henry • 808 1/2 New University Ave • Henry • (309) 364-3200
Burger King • 1 Carrier Ln # 3 • Wenona • (815) 853-4454
Capponi's Italian Restaurant • 302 N Main St • Toluca • (815) 452-2343
Chestnut Family Restaurant • 1402 Chestnut St • Henry • (309) 364-3366
Club LA-Con • 1241 Lacon Rd • Lacon • (309) 246-5705
Frosmoke's Meatery LLC • 112 Marina Dr • Lacon • (309) 645-8182
Grandmas • 420 E Park Row St • Henry • (309) 364-2263
H & L Saloon • 416 E Park Row St • Henry • (309) 364-2805
Hofer's Pub • 406 Edward St • Henry • (309) 364-2616
Italian Villa • 414 E Park Row St • Henry • (309) 364-2863
Jim's IGA • 202 N Washington St • Lacon • (309) 246-8138
Kenyon's Place Rstrnt & Lounge • 1217 5th St • Lacon • (309) 246-3663
Landings At Henry Harbor • 210 Cromwell Dr • Henry • (309) 364-2181
Little Sorrento Pizza • 130 Chestnut St • Wenona • (815) 853-4756
Mona's Italian Foods • 202 N Main St • Toluca • (815) 452-2303
Park Place Pub & Grill • 116 Chestnut St • Wenona • (815) 853-4187
Pizza Peel • 340 5th St • Lacon • (309) 246-7400
Rio Vista Grill • 501 Front St • Henry • (309) 356-5252
Shandy's Pub & Grub • 1106 Western Ave • Henry • (309) 364-3174
Steve's Boardwalk Tap • 124 Chestnut St • Wenona • (815) 853-4563
Subway • 1044 Western Ave • Henry • (309) 364-3512
Subway • 1 Carrier Ln # 2 • Wenona • (815) 853-0529
Suds • 112 N Main St • Toluca • (815) 452-2017
Victoria's Country Diner • 223 N Washington St • Lacon • (309) 246-5757
Zoomiez On The Water • 110 4th St • Lacon • (309) 554-9073
Fieldcrest East Middle School • 102 W Elm St • Wenona • (815) 853-4331
Fieldcrest Intermediate School • 306 N Maple St • Toluca • (815) 452-2318
Henry-Senachwine Grade Sch/Jr • 201 Richard St • Henry • (309) 364-2531
Henry-Senachwine High School • 1023 College St • Henry • (309) 364-2829
Illinois Academy • PO Box 26 • Henry • (563) 505-0441
Lowpoint-Washburn Elementary • 701 N Lynn St • Washburn • (309) 248-7221
Midland Community Unit School • 1830 State Route 17 • Varna • (309) 463-2095
Midland Elementary School • 625 6th St • Lacon • (309) 463-8010
Midland Middle School • 901 Hilltop Dr • Sparland • (309) 463-8009
Here’s a list of national crisis lines in the U.S., covering a variety of situations:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
SAMHSA National Helpline (Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services): 1-800-662-HELP (4357)
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Helpline: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or text NAMI to 741741
National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788
RAINN (Rape, Abuse & Incest National Network) Hotline: 1-800-656-HOPE (4673)
Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline: 1-800-4-A-CHILD (1-800-422-4453)
National Runaway Safeline: 1-800-RUNAWAY (1-800-786-2929) or text 66008
Elder Abuse Hotline (Adult Protective Services): 1-833-401-0832
Veterans Crisis Line: Call 988, then press 1, or text 838255
National Bereavement Helpline: 1-800-395-5755
National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888 or text HELP to 233733
Emergency & Safety
Ready.gov: https://www.ready.gov – Government resource for disaster preparedness and emergency tips.
Weather.com: https://www.weather.com – Real-time weather updates, forecasts, and alerts.
911.gov: https://www.911.gov – Information about emergency services and preparedness.
Health & Wellness
WebMD: https://www.webmd.com – Health information, medical advice, and symptom checkers.
CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention): https://www.cdc.gov – Public health information, disease control, and safety guidelines.
MentalHealth.gov: https://www.mentalhealth.gov – Mental health resources, support, and information.
Education & Learning
Khan Academy: https://www.khanacademy.org – Free educational resources covering various subjects.
Coursera: https://www.coursera.org – Online courses from universities around the world.
Duolingo: https://www.duolingo.com – Language learning platform with fun, interactive lessons.
Finance & Money
AnnualCreditReport.com: https://www.annualcreditreport.com – Free annual credit report from the three major credit bureaus.
Investopedia: https://www.investopedia.com – Comprehensive financial education, including investing, budgeting, and money management.
IRS.gov: https://www.irs.gov – Tax information, tools, and resources for U.S. taxpayers.
Job & Career
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com – Professional networking, job searching, and career development.
Indeed: https://www.indeed.com – Job search engine with millions of listings across industries.
Glassdoor: https://www.glassdoor.com – Company reviews, salary insights, and job listings.
Travel & Navigation
Google Maps: https://maps.google.com – Navigation, traffic updates, and local business information.
TripAdvisor: https://www.tripadvisor.com – Travel reviews, planning tools, and recommendations for destinations.
Airbnb: https://www.airbnb.com – Short-term rentals and unique accommodations worldwide.
News & Information
Reuters: https://www.reuters.com – Global news coverage on a variety of topics.
BBC News: https://www.bbc.com/news – International news source with comprehensive coverage.
Snopes: https://www.snopes.com – Fact-checking site for verifying news, rumors, and urban legends.
Entertainment & Leisure
IMDb: https://www.imdb.com – Information about movies, TV shows, actors, and film trivia.
Spotify: https://www.spotify.com – Music streaming, playlists, and podcasts.
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com – Video content covering everything from tutorials to entertainment.
Technology & Tools
Speedtest by Ookla: https://www.speedtest.net – Test your internet speed in seconds.
HowStuffWorks: https://www.howstuffworks.com – Explanations and guides about how various things work.
TechRadar: https://www.techradar.com – Technology news, reviews, and guides.
