CHICAGO – Continuing to deliver on his commitment to grow the tourism industry in Southern Illinois and across the state, Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich announced today the groundbreaking for an expansion of the General John A. Logan Museum in Murphysboro made possible with a $50,000 Tourism Attraction Development Grant, which is being administered by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s Bureau of Tourism. The funds will be used to expand the size of the museum that will provide additional exhibit space, as well as easier access by motor coach tours. It is projected in the next five years that nearly 12,000 people will visit the museum annually, which will generate approximately $840,000 in spending.
“Tourism is thriving today in Illinois. The economic impact generated by Illinois travel spending in 2005 grew to a record high $26.2 billion, and people have taken notice of all the diverse attractions we have to offer in Southern Illinois. We are building on these assets like the General John A. Logan Museum, working with local tourism experts and creating more jobs,” said Gov. Blagojevich.
The General John A. Logan Museum chronicles the life of Civil War notable General John A. Logan, who was born in Murphysboro in 1826. At an early age, Logan rose to prominence in state politics and eventually, after exemplary military service, became James G. Blaine's vice presidential running mate in 1884. Logan is most notably remembered as the founder of the nation's Memorial Day in 1886. The museum tells the story of General John A. Logan through the use of photographs, portraits, maps, political memorabilia, Logan family antiques and Civil War weapons.
“We are grateful to Gov. Blagojevich for his commitment to growing the tourism industry in a way that not only creates good jobs, but drives visitors to both large and small communities around the state to showcase everything Illinois has to offer. Through this grant, it will be more attractive for people from across the country to visit Murphysboro and the General John A. Logan Museum, making an important impact on the Southern Illinois economy,” said General John A. Logan Museum Director P. Michael Jones.
“The tourism industry continues to grow in importance in the Illinois economy, and we’re always working to build on our successes to attract more local, national and international tourism across our state. Gov. Blagojevich will continue making these kinds of important investments that are making a difference in Southern Illinois and helping to put more people to work,” Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Director Jack Lavin said.
Gov. Blagojevich’s Opportunity Returns regional economic development strategy is the most aggressive, comprehensive approach to creating jobs in Illinois’ history. Since a one-size-fits-all approach to economic development just doesn’t work, the Governor has divided the state into 10 regions – each with a regional team that is empowered and expected to rapidly respond to opportunities and challenges. Opportunity Returns is about tangible, specific actions to make each region more accessible, more marketable, more entrepreneurial and more attractive to businesses. It is about upgrading the skills of the local workforce, increasing the access to capital, opening new markets, improving infrastructure, and creating and retaining jobs. Opportunity Returns is about successfully partnering with companies and communities, both large and small, to help all of Illinois reach its economic potential.