Paxton History Tour Sites
Thank you for your interest in Paxton's rich history. This page is maintained by the Paxton Chamber of Commerce. To learn more about the 24 selected historic sites around our community, you can either browse this website or preferably visit the site in person and, using the camera on your phone, scan the QR code, which will be displayed at most sites. Each QR code link will bring up a brief history of the site and several pictures. Our goal is to continue to improve this project by adding more historic sites, pictures and information.
Almost all of the QR codes are up around Paxton now!
See map below for locations of QR Codes
The first floor of the hotel served as retail space for several establishments including a barber and jeweler.
The Middlecoff Hotel
In 1895, Paxton businessmen decided to invest $35,000 to construct the finest caravansary on the line of the Illinois Central Railroad between Chicago and Cairo. It was named in honor of City Mayor J. P. Middlecoff.
The next year the building was under construction. The plans had been designed by architect Paul O. Moratz, of Bloomington. The structure was 75x100 feet, three stories above the basement, the exterior walls of fine pressed brick with stone trimmings. Its interior was grand with the floors being of tile and hardwood finish of oak and Southern pine. The walls and ceilings are beautifully frescoed. The building contained 46 rooms, 4 apartments, and a number of businesses.
In the fall of 1896, this grand structure was completed and would serve many weary travelers and visitors to this community until April 5, 1966, when the hotel was destroyed by fire, which would change the face of Paxton's main street forever.
