Du Quoin State Fairgrounds facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Du Quoin State Fairgrounds
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Entrance to the fairgrounds
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 Location in Illinois
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| Location | US 51 N of jct. with SR 14, Du Quoin, Illinois, United States |
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| Area | 179 acres (72 ha) |
| Built | 1923 |
| Architectural style | Moderne, Art Deco |
| MPS | Historic Fairgrounds in Illinois MPS |
| NRHP reference No. | 90000719 |
| Added to NRHP | July 11, 1990 |
The Du Quoin State Fairgrounds is a famous place in Du Quoin, Illinois. It is located in Perry County, Illinois, in the United States. You can find it along U.S. Route 51. This big area is home to a special racetrack. It has hosted many exciting car races since 1948. These include AAA, USAC, and ARCA races. There is also a track for horse racing. Important horse races like the Hambletonian Stakes and the World Trotting Derby were held here for many years.
History of the Fairgrounds
The Du Quoin State Fairgrounds first opened in 1923. A horse breeder named William R. Hayes started it. He wanted to create a new fair called the DuQuoin State Fair. This fair was similar to the Illinois State Fair.
Why the Fair Started
The Illinois State Fair had stopped allowing betting on horse races. William R. Hayes wanted a place where horse racing and betting could still happen. So, he created the Du Quoin State Fair.
To make sure both fairs had visitors, the Du Quoin fair started right after the Illinois State Fair ended. The Du Quoin fair usually ran through the Labor Day weekend.
A Popular Event
The Du Quoin State Fair became very successful. Many famous entertainers and groups performed there. They often performed at the Illinois State Fair too. Because of its popularity, people started calling it Illinois' "little State Fair" or "second State Fair."
National Recognition
The Du Quoin State Fairgrounds is a very important historical site. It has been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since July 1990. This means it is recognized for its special history and architecture.
It is one of only two places in Perry County, Illinois, on this list. The other is the Perry County Jail in Pinckneyville, Illinois. That old jail is now a museum.
