Dubois School site has an interesting history

Sangamon County Fairgrounds are in Pink (later became Camp Yates) Click on map tp enlarge

     The original boundaries of the city of Springfield were all Grand avenue streets (North Grand, South Grand, West Grand (now MacArthur) and East Grand (now Martin Luther King Drive). Andrew Laswell (1781-1853) came to Sangamon County in 1824 and settled one mile west of the city center  - just west of MacArthur. Through a land grant from President John Quincy Adams, Laswell owned most of what it now the near west side. In 1852 the Sangamon County Agricultural Society was formed and purchased land from Andrew Laswell. The land eventually became the Sangamon County Fairgrounds  (in pink in the picture above) and encompassed an area bounded by Washington Street to Governor between Lincoln and Douglas Streets.
    Since agriculture was the mainstay of the economy,  the county fair was well attended. The 1860 Illinois State Journal described the setting:

On entering, every step gives fresh evidence of the beauty of situation and tastefulness of design of the grounds of the Association, equaling in some respects even those of the St. Louis Agricultural Society and, far surpassing that of the late State Fair at Jacksonville. The passing and repassing of gaily dressed people among the shady and cool retreats; the subdued hum of conversation, the massing of highly mettled steeds, the lowing of stock, the thrilling strains of a neighboring Brass Band, all combined to produce highly interesting and agreeable effect.” (Illinois State Journal, 1860)

There was also a strong element of entertainment with horse racing probably being the greatest draw. Here is what was scheduled for September 20th and 21st:

     In April 1861, Springfield began to arrange military accommodations for troops to be trained. The Sangamon County Agricultural Fairgrounds was transformed into a military campground. By Friday April 19th, large groups of troops began to arrive in Springfield via the railroad. The following newspaper article illustrates the scene taking place in the city that day:

Plaque on Dubois Wall

     As more and more troops continued to train at Camp Yates, some of the men found an excess of time on their hands - enough to get into trouble.

     It was time for change. On June 15, 1861 Ulysses S. Grant arrived in Springfield and accepted the colonelcy of the 21st District Regiment. Thus Col. Grant started his Civil War career and began restoring order to the camp. The stone below is near the  front door of Dubois school.

                                                                   Outside Dubois School

     Grant lived in a one story home at the corner of Governor and Lincoln ( original site is marked in blue on the map above).  There is an obelisk at the site (which is now a backyard)

The home he resided in has since been moved to 119 South Walnut.

119 S. Walnut

When Grant's Regiment was mobilized Camp Yates was closed and Camp Butler was created. When driving by Dubois today one can only speculate on the activities of the soldiers and fair goers.