William Jennings Bryan


County: Marion
Location: The marker is located in Salem, north of the downtown area, in front of a large statue of Bryan on the east side of Broadway (IL 37), just north of its intersection with Boone Street. The marker and statue are in a small memorial garden, which is across the street from the William Jennings Bryan Park.

N  38o 38.129  
W 088o 56.723

Erected: 1962 Erected by: Salem Historical-Patriotical Commission and The Illinois State Historical Society


Lived in Salem, Illinois, from his birth, March 19, 1860, until 1875. A national figure after his 'Cross of Gold' speech in 1896, Bryan was the unsuccessful Democratic candidate for President in 1896, 1900, 1908, and served as Secretary of State, 1913 - 1915. He died in 1925 after the Scopes 'Evolution' trial.


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