First Soybeans Planted in Illinois Historical Marker Dedication

Lewis and Clark Community College, the City of Alton, and the Illinois State Historical Society

Lewis and Clark Community College, the City of Alton, and the Illinois State Historical Society cordially invite you to attend the reveal of hidden history with an official Illinois State Historical Society marker on the site in Alton, Illinois, where the first soybeans were planted in the State of Illinois in 1851.  

This is an amazing story including elements of the 1849 Gold Rush, a medical doctor from Alton, 17 shipwrecked Japanese sailors who were rescued after 50 days adrift in the Pacific, and an unbroken chain of custody of Japanese Peas that made their way back to Alton, Illinois in April 1851 to become the first soybeans grown in Illinois.

It is estimated that a crowd of more than 100 dignitaries will be in attendance representing the soybean industry, academic community, state and federal government, media, private and public agricultural interest.

The formal reveal program will be held on August 23, 2019, at 2 p.m., regardless of weather.

Location:
417 Prospect, Alton, IL (Map)
RSVP the number attending the 2 pm event to 
Sue Keener (skeener@lc.edu or 618-468-2001)

A dinner event will be held at 5 p.m. on the campus of Lewis and Clark Community College in nearby Godfrey, Illinois.  We are expecting approximately 50 dignitaries and special guests for dinner in the Ahlemeyer Atrium of the Trimpe Advanced Technology Center.  Dr. Theodore Hymowitz will make a presentation at dinner regarding his research on the first soybeans planted in Illinois.

Location:
5800 Godfrey Road, Ahlemeyer Atrium, Godfrey, IL (Map)
RSVP attendance for dinner by name to 
Sue Keener (skeener@lc.edu or 618-468-2001)