The Riverside Park Band Shell, located at the corner of 22nd Street and Commercial Street in Murphysboro, was listed in the National Register of Historic Places on June 6 by the National Park Service. Its inclusion in this prestigious national list was announced by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, which administers the National Register program in Illinois.
The Riverside Band Shell exhibits a portion of American history associated with the development of community entertainment centers.  It was designed by architect R.Z. Gill, a well-known Illinois architect, in the Modern style.  It was built in 1939 and has been the focal point of many musical events and the Jackson County Fourth of July celebration, attended through the years by an estimated 29,000 to 50,000 people.
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the nation’s historic places worthy of preservation.  Thousands of Illinois historic and prehistoric places have been designated and each year more places are added by applicants who want the prestige, financial benefits, and protections that National Register designation provides. Every one of the 102 Illinois counties has at least one property or historic district listed in the National Register.  High-style mansions, vernacular houses, burial mounds, military aircraft, canals, and historic downtowns together represent a cross section of the Prairie State’s history from its early settlement to the mid-20th century. In general, properties have to be more than 50 years old to be eligible.  Listing on the National Register places no obligations on private property owners but does make properties eligible for some financial incentives.  For more information on the National Register application process, visit http://www.illinoishistory.gov/PS/applynr.htm.