Lewistown is the Fulton County seat, established in 1823 by Ossian Ross, and named after his eldest son. It is home to the Oak Hill Cemetery, which was made famous in 1915 by the Spoon River Anthology from local author Edgar Lee Masters. Spoon River Anthology is a series of free verse poems depicting the fictionalized lives of rural Americans, including a generous dose of scandal and treachery, while using names taken directly from the tombstones at Oak Hill.
Lewistown has many first in its history. First American Legion Post in Illinois is located in Lewistow, Bishop Post No. 1; 1st Volunteer Fire Protection District; The Fulton Democrat, the oldest established newspaper in central Illinois. The downtown has much to offer visitors to the area including local museums such as the Rasmussen Blacksmith Museum and the Narrow Gauge Museum. The Visitors Center on Main Street features historical displays which can change periodically.
