Macomb Area Conventions & Visitors Bureau / Unforgettable Forgottonia

The Macomb Area Conventions and Vistitors Bureau welcomes you to our historic and vibrant city, sometimes known as 'Forgottonia.' As a tourist destination, Forgottonia, IL is hard to beat with it's vibrant mix of unique shopping, arts & entertainment, casual & fine dining, events & attractions and sports & leisure, coupled with fertile fields, historic landmarks, Amish country and rustic small-town charm. All this is set against a backdrop of rural splendor and panoramic pastoral beauty.

If you're considering a family trip, planning an event, or just looking for a perfect weekend getaway, we're the place to Relax, Explore & Enjoy. That's what makes Forgottonia unforgettable.

What is "Forgottonia?"

Variously described as a new U.S. state or an independent republic, Forgottonia is the name given to a 16 county region in West Central Illinois in the late 1960s and early 1970s.  The Republic of Forgottonia eventually became a fictional political secession movement in the early 1970s conceived by McDonough County residents because of a lack of support for transportation and infrastructure projects in the area.  

According to a 2010 article in the McDonough County Voice, “The idea is that we would secede from the Union, immediately declare war, surrender, then apply for foreign aid.” 

Forgottonia never did secede, but the movement succeeded. It drew national attention to the region’s transportation and infrastructure plight. Amtrak brought trains back to the area in 1972 and highways have seen some improvement since Forgottonia put itself on the map.

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