General Macomb Chapter NSDAR : Macomb, Illinois

McDonough County Bicentennial Celebration Kicks Off Jan. 26

Community News Brief, Jan 20 2026 edition

On Jan. 25, 1826, McDonough County was officially created by the Illinois General Assembly. To recognize the county's bicentennial, a ceremony will be held at 11:30 a.m., Monday, Jan. 26 at the flagpole on the west side of the Macomb courthouse to kick-off the yearlong 200th anniversary celebration. A flag-raising ceremony will be held, featuring the McDonough County flag, along with brief remarks by County Board Chair Eric Blakely, Mayor Mike Inman, Sheriff Nick Petitgout and Western Illinois University English Professor Emeritus and Archivist John Hallwas. The Macomb Area Chamber of Commerce will hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony to conclude the ceremony and mark the start of McDonough County's next 200 years of growth and progress.

Numerous other celebrations will be held throughout the year. Watch the Community News Brief for a special yearly event book coming out in the spring, and other updates on events, program announcements, columns and stories highlighting the county's 200th anniversary.

A Brief History of McDonough County

McDonough County, named for War Hero Commodore Thomas Macdonough, was created from territory that was part of Schuyler County. The county organization was completed June 14, 1830, and Macomb was appointed the county seat in 1831.

During the War of 1812 at the Battle of Plattsburgh, Gen. Alexander Macomb was in charge of the Army, while Commodore Thomas Macdonough was in charge of the Naval Battle on Lake Champlain, which was a decisive United States victory. On Sept. 11, 1814, American forces led by McDonough defeated the British fleet on Lake Champlain, which forced the British land forces to retreat and abandon their invasion of northern New York. While McDonough was protecting the U.S. by sea, Macomb lead American's land forces, successfully defending U.S. soil against British advances.

The McDonough County region, which is part of nearly 5.4 million acres in western Illinois known as the 'Military Tract,' was settled by War of 1812 veterans, who were provided with free or discounted land. As such, the veterans who settled here named the city and the county out of respect for their War of 1812 command leaders. The Military Tract, located between the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers, encompasses Adams, Fulton, Hancock, Knox, McDonough, Mercer, Peoria, Pike, Schuyler and Warren counties.

Reprinted with permission Community News Brief, 13 E Side Square, Macomb, IL 309-421-0761 https://www.communitynewsmarket.com/

General Alexander Macomb

Welcome to the website of the General Macomb Chapter, National Society Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR or DAR). Please enjoy your visit to these pages as you explore who we are, what we do, our patriot ancestors, how to join us, and our mission to promote historic preservation, champion education, and celebrate patriotism.

Historic Preservation

DAR members participate in a wide variety of historic preservation projects in our community as it is crucial to saving our history for future generations.

Education

The DAR is passionate about educating America’s youth and supports a variety of different programs, contests, and awards to help further this goal.

Patriotism

For over 125 years, the DAR has promoted patriotism. It’s the foundation of the many DAR activities that take place in our local communities across the country.

OUR NAMESAKE

Alexander Macomb

Alexander Macomb (April 3, 1782 – June 25, 1841) was the Commanding General of the United States Army from May 29, 1828, until his death on June 25, 1841. Macomb was the field commander at the Battle of Plattsburgh, September 11, 1814, during the War of 1812, and after the stunning victory, was lauded with praise and styled "The Hero of Plattsburgh" by some of the American press. He was promoted to Major General for his conduct, receiving both the Thanks of Congress and a Congressional Gold Medal.

Source: Wikipedia