Macomb, IL: World’s Largest Monopoly Board

In my job as the University Archivist at Western Illinois University, I get to deal with the local area’s history. This includes the city of Macomb. Recently, Macomb became home to the world’s biggest Monopoly Board.

Six years of work culminated in the unveiling of Macombopoly, the world’s largest Monopoly board, in May. This grand unveiling coincided with the birthday of Lizzie Magie, the inventor of the Landlord’s Game, which eventually evolved into the popular board game Monopoly. Magie, born in Macomb, saw the first-ever Monopoly board modeled after the Macomb square.

Macombopoly is a one-of-a-kind game that combines a mobile app with downtown Macomb’s layout. Players start at the “GO” spot in the southeast corner of the square. They use the app to roll dice and move around the board. It’s like regular Monopoly, but there are some new features, like getting deals for nearby stores and answering questions about Macomb and Lizzie Magie.

I, of course, felt obligated to document this new Monopoly Board, which is now part of our regional history. I walked around Macomb Square and took pictures, which I have included in this article.

It is hoped that Macombopoly will bring tourists to this part of Illinois. While Chicago is still a big draw, it is hoped some of these tourists will find there way to Macomb.

The Macomb Area Convention and Visitors Bureau got a matching grant of $40,000. The area raised an additional $50,000 to supplement the grant. The future of Macombopoly may see improvements like AI and new game pieces emerging. Efforts will be made to measure how successful this endeavor is at attracting engagement.

Developed in collaboration with eATLAS, the app provides players with year-round access to Macombopoly. A number on the “GO” block makes it simple to download the app. Not only is Macombopoly a game, but it’s also an informative tour. Players learn about local history and trivia as they move around the square. One of the activities is to find statues and take selfies with them. Players can play alone or with up to five other people, and they can win prizes by meeting goals. The game aims to increase community involvement and attract tourists.

There are efforts to get downtown Macomb recognized as the official site of the world’s biggest Monopoly Board. The square’s corners now have sculptures linked to Monopoly. These include a stovepipe hat, a game board, a statue of Lizzie Magie, and a sculpture of dice spinning.

Macomb has a lot of ties to Lizzie Magie’s past. Her father, James, ran the Macomb Journal from 1861 to 1865 and was the U.S. Postmaster in Macomb from July 1865 to September 1866. Magie’s 1903 publication of The Landlord’s Game was the inspiration for what would become Monopoly. Now, Macombopoly honors this history in a grand and entertaining way.

Macombopoly is a creative way to bring more tourists to the area and get people involved in their community. It also shows how Lizzie Magie’s influence lives on. Because it combines history, technology, and fun, it should be a one-of-a-kind place for both locals and tourists to enjoy. If you need information on the history of Lizzie Magie, the staff of the WIU Archives and Special Collections can help you.