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Motels
We recommend the following motels, which are all located off
Interstate 57 at Exit 190-B. They are less than 10 minutes from the ball park.
Baymont Inn & Suites
206 McFall Road
1-877-229-6668, 217-234-2355 or 234-2420
www.baymontinns.com
Comfort Suites
1408 E. Broadway
217-235-6745 or 1-800-4-CHOICE
www.comfortsuites.com/hotel/il158
Hampton Inn
1416 E. Broadway
1-800-HAMPTON or 217-234-4267
www.hampton-inn.com
Holiday Inn Express
Rt. 16 & Swords Drive
217-235-2060 or 1-800-315-2621
www.hiexpress.com
Super 8
205 McFall Road
217-235-8888 or 1-800-800-8000
www.super8.com
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About
Mattoon
Located at exit 190B and exit 184 on Interstate 57, Mattoon is
the City for All Seasons. Mattoon has a population of approximately 20,000
and is centrally located between Chicago, St. Louis, and Indianapolis.
Mattoon is the self-proclaimed "Baseball Capital of the World" and
has a long, proud history of producing excellent baseball teams, and hosting
many tournaments. The city has hosted the Babe Ruth World Series twice
(1969 & 1974) and the Cal Ripken World Series three times (1999, 2000, &
2002).
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Mattoon's
History
The town's name honors William Mattoon, who helped construct the
Terre Haute and Alton Railroad. The projected junction of this rail line with
the Illinois Central in 1854 convinced local settlers that the land was an ideal
site for a community. Swamp grass and prairie would give way to steel rails,
homes and businesses.
With the westward movement of the railroads, Mattoon prospered and grew at a
surprising rate. The first churches, schools and businesses were established.
The town counted more than 100 buildings by 1856. The following year, officials
of the growing community started the steps to incorporate. In 1861, the final
charter was adopted.
The Lincoln family has long been part of the area's history. They first settled
in Coles County in 1831 on a farm about three miles south of the future site of
Mattoon. Although he never lived in Coles County, the future President of the
United States, Abraham Lincoln, frequently traveled through the area as a
circuit-riding lawyer. One of the famous debates with Stephen Douglas took place
in Coles County in 1858.
Manufacturing became an important part of the local economy between World War I
and World War II. The discovery of oil in 1940 gave Mattoon's growth yet another
boost.
Throughout its development, a key to Mattoon's prosperity has been its location
in the great Midwestern farm belt. The rich, black farmland around Mattoon is
abundantly productive.
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To have your content added to this website contact Mike Jackson by email at webmaster@mattoonbaseball.com |
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