HISTORY

Abraham Lincoln came to Decatur in 1830, and later gave his first political speech at the corner of Main and Main Streets (now known as Lincoln Square).

In 1860, Decatur hosted the Illinois Republican Convention (known as the "Wigwam"), where Abraham Lincoln received the Presidential nomination and was dubbed "The Rail-Splitter Candidate" by John Hands and Richard Oglesby.

 

NEIGHBORHOODS

A top priority is strengthening Decatur's neighborhoods. This priority has given rise to Neighborhood Watch programs, along with restoration programs that improve the quality of older neighborhoods.

Decatur has over 150 churches to choose from. Other fun and wholesome activities are provided by the YMCA, Macon County Conservation District, Scoville Zoo, the Children's Museum, Macon County Historical Society, Rock Springs Environmental Center and the Decatur Civic Center.

TRANSPORTATION AND INDUSTRY

The Decatur Airport near Mt. Zion means easy access for passengers and cargo, with several regional airlines, private aircraft services, and UPS's center for downstate jet air express delivery.

This facility complements the area's extensive highway and rail system to make an integrated transportation network that facilitates local operations of 200 diverse industries and agribusiness.

AGRICULTURE

The area's rich soils have helped agriculture related businesses make significant economic impact on Decatur and the surrounding area. It can even be said that Macon County farmers are first in feeding the world.

 

AFFORDABLE LIVING

Decatur's cost of living is nearly 4% below the national average!

 

SHOPPING

From indoor and outdoor malls to quaint downtown specialty shops and everything in between, Decatur will meet your every shopping need with good old fashioned personal service. Forsyth hosts the large Hickory Point Mall, and Mt. Zion has greatly expanded its individual shopping malls.

 

CULTURAL AWARENESS

Cultural events abound in Decatur, with the Decatur Area Arts Council, Kirkland Fine Arts Center, and Theater 7 offering a variety of exciting programs for cultural enrichment.

In the heart of Decatur, the Historic District contains abundant examples of vintage architecture, including designs by associates of the renowned Frank Lloyd Wright.
 

 

MEETING SITES

Decatur has Downstate Illinois' largest conference/convention hotel, which hosts over 150 major conferences every year. Accommodations are also plentiful in Decatur's other hotels and motels.

The Decatur Civic Center also caters to convention business, with a full-sized arena, fully-equipped theater, and numerous meeting rooms.

EDUCATION

Decatur is home to Millikin University, a high-quality liberal arts school, and Richland Community College. The public schools of Decatur, Mt. Zion, Maroa-Forsyth and Argenta-Oreana, are among some of the best in the state. In addition, Decatur has several private grade schools and secondary schools.

 

SPECIAL EVENTS

Special events provide more good reasons to consider Decatur first. Decatur's special offerings cover a wide range of interests and activities.

January brings nationally known musicians to the Central Illinois Jazz Festival, while spring brings the World Old-Time Piano Playing Competition.

On Memorial Day weekend, the Summerstart Festival includes APHA hydroplane races, a carnival, name entertainment, and food and fun on Lake Decatur.

The Fourth of July celebration is a day of fun, food, entertainment and fireworks.

Since 1986, the highlight of a Decatur summer is the Decatur Celebration, the largest free family street festival in Illinois. The Celebration lasts three days and encompasses ten city blocks,filling the streets with games, food, crafts, roving performers, and big-name entertainment.

The Futures Golf Classic draws LPGA hopefuls to Hickory Point Golf Course for a three-day pro-am tournament.

Fun continues in the fall, with a big band festival, the Yesteryear Fair and Pumpkinfest.

 

---

DECATUR LINKS