
Historic Urbana

Located in central Illinois, Urbana, founded in 1833, experienced significant growth spurred by the arrival of the railroad and the establishment of the University of Illinois. The late 19th and early 20th centuries witnessed a construction boom evident in the city's impressive stock of historic commercial and residential buildings. Post-war growth and the increasing student population led to challenges for historic preservation, but also sparked a movement to recognize and protect the city's architectural heritage.
Enjoy exploring the rich history of Urbana through the links and files provided on this page!
Local History and Archives
Champaign County History Museum houses a broad collection of artifacts and exhibits related to the history of Champaign County, including Urbana.
The Urbana Free Library Historical Archives is a repository of documents, photographs, and other materials specific to the history of Urbana.
Museum of the Grand Prairie focuses on the natural and cultural history of the Grand Prairie region, which includes Urbana.
University and Academic Resources
University of Illinois Library - Illinois History and Lincoln Collections is a valuable resource for in-depth research on Illinois history, including Urbana, with a strong focus on Abraham Lincoln.
Historic Preservation in Urbana
Local Historic Landmarks and Districts lists the 20 properties in Urbana designated as local historic landmarks and three local historic districts.
History of Historic Preservation in Urbana details the evolution of preservation efforts in Urbana, including key individuals, organizations, and projects.
Walking Tours and 100-Most Important Buildings offers self-guided walking routes highlighting significant historic buildings in Urbana.
Community-Based Resources
In Lincoln’s Shadow Urbana Illinois Past Casts is a podcast audio series exploring the history of Urbana, focusing on its connection to Abraham Lincoln.