Surveyor Jonathan Shelton laid Jacksonville out on 40 acres in 1825, a few years after settlers from southern states arrived in the county, according to the Morgan County and Jacksonville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau’s websites. Mayor Andy Ezard says some highlights of the town’s history include the early settlers’ dedication to education and Abraham Lincoln’s activities there, which might have included visiting then-Gov. One current Jacksonville business, the Eli Bridge Company, has been there since 1919. Time capsule items are on display at the Jacksonville Area Museum, which showcases many facets of the town’s history and will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 4. To view the full schedule of events for Oct. 4, go to the Jacksonville Area Convention and Visitor Bureau website: https://jacksonvilleil.org/event/jacksonville-illinois-200th-anniversary-bash/ or Jacksonville Illinois Bicentennial page on Facebook.