Clayville Historical Site

August 17, 2018.

Stagecoach Barn addition nearly complete.  We have added a semi-enclosed, roofed Pavilion to the back of the Stagecoach Barn.  This facility, with it's large fireplace will significantly increase both the size and the types of rental events than we can host, increasing our ability to serve the community and our members.

Reconstructed Whig Building. Completely restored,  the Whig Building is our Education Center, divided into two parts. One third of the buiding contains office work & prep area for our Education and Childrens programs,  the remainder of the building serves as classroom and activity space.

The Pioneer Agriculture Musem is now open in the Purvines Barn. On display are many antique farm, and farm life implements and tools. This will be a developing project as the collection grows.

 The Jesse Gumm Cabin at Clayville has been completed and furnished as the Clayville one room school house.  Jesse Gumm originally built this log cabin in Clary Grove  which is near New Salem. Mr. Gumm hired a young Abraham Lincoln to do surveying.

Major restoration of the Broadwell Inn.  With the restoration of the ladies parlor, the porches, updated HAVC system, new windows, and much more, this wonderful part of our local history to a safe and sustainable position for years to come.

We have added the Peter Cartwright bed to our collection, and it is now in the men's bedroom of the Inn.  The Inn is fully furnished in pre-1840 period furniture.

Batterton Cabin.  Constructed in 1817 by Amor Batterton and his sons, this cabin is the oldest structure in Sangamon County and one of the oldest intact structures in Illinois.  

Euclids Room.  The attic space above the kitchen in the Broadwell Inn has been converted to a childrens play area. Named for Moses Broadwell's youngest son Euclid, bring your children and grandchildren to check it out

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New signs have been placed in front of each building at Clayville that will offer the opportunity for a self guided walking tour of Clayville.

These same style signs now guide you through the 3/4 mile Nature Trail.

Also as you take this very easy and nice walk you will find animal cutouts along the way of animals that live at Clayville today as well as some of the animals that dwelled here in the early 1800's when settlers first came here. Some examples are Black Bear's White Tail Deer, Cougars, Fox, Rabbits to name only a few.