General Macomb’s Birthday Party

The City of Macomb, the Macomb Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Western Illinois Museum are planning a birthday party!  This year General Alexander Macomb, the city’s namesake, will be 234 years old and on Saturday, April 2^nd a celebration will be held in his honor. The party will be held at the Western Illinois Museum from 1:00 to 2:30 pm. The event is free and open to the public. Donations are welcome.

This year’s celebration includes the opportunity for children to create a party hat for General Macomb. The Western Illinois Museum will display their creations from March 28^th through April 9^th.  Mayor Mike Inman will award a $25 Macomb Chamber of Commerce Gift Certificate for the most creative design in four age groups at the April 2^nd party. Entry sheets and contest guidelines are available at the museum or for download on museum’s website.

This year’s party will provide a chance for families to learn about General Macomb, the War of 1812 and the circumstances that launched the development of the region.

Event Schedule:

• 1:00 The event begin with children of all ages having a chance to make their own one-of-a-kind hat similar to that of one worn by General Macomb in the War of 1812.
• 1:30 Dr. Eugene Watkins and other re-enactors from Old Fort Madison will show items used by soldiers in this region, illustrating what it was like to serve in the military during the early 1800s.
• 2:00 Judging and prizes will be awarded for the General Macomb’s birthday hat coloring contest.
• 2:15 BIRTHDAY CAKE and singing Happy Birthday to General Macomb.

General Macomb (April 3, 1782–June 25, 1841) was a key figure in the war of 1812, contributing to a decisive victory at the Battle of Plattsburg.  His stunning victory and his being awarded a Congressional Gold Medal made him a well known figure in the country.  Naming the town in his honor speaks to Alexander Macomb’s prominence as well as reflecting the fact that the land in the region was issued as payment to the soldiers who volunteered in the War of 1812.

The Western Illinois Museum is located at 201 South Lafayette Street, one block south of Macomb’s Courthouse Square.  For more information contact the Western Illinois Museum at 309.837.2750 or info@westernillinoismuseum.org.