Macombopoly / Lizzie Magie - Macomb's Inventor of Monopoly

10/27/2026

In 1904, our own Lizzie Magie Patented a Board Game Warning Against Greedy Landlords; 31 Years Later, She Got Just $500 For It and Another Man Became a Millionaire Selling It as Monopoly.

Lizzie Magie patented a board game designed to expose economic inequality in 1904. Decades later, she got $500 while another man became a millionaire selling Monopoly.

10/25/2026

10/25/2026

10/18/2026

Monopoly’s real inventor was a woman, and for decades, almost no one knew her name.

In 1904, Lizzie Magie, a writer and progressive from Washington, D.C., patented The Landlord’s Game. Inspired by economist Henry George, she designed it to show how landlords grow rich while tenants struggle.

It even came with two sets of rules: one where players got rich by bankrupting each other, and one where everyone was rewarded when wealth was created.

Her game spread for decades through college campuses and Quaker communities, with players making their own boards. One of them was taught to Charles Darrow, who adapted it and sold it to Parker Brothers in 1935 as Monopoly. It became a huge hit, and Darrow was credited as its inventor.

When Parker Brothers realized how similar the two games were, the company bought Magie’s patent for just $500. In 1936, she spoke out to a Washington newspaper, posing with both boards side by side.

Her role wasn’t widely recognized until the 1970s, during a legal battle over a game called Anti-Monopoly.

10/16/2026

Boo!!!

From mysterious apparitions and haunted cemeteries to university legends and unexplained phenomena, McDonough County is home to some of western Illinois' most fascinating ghost stories. Inspired by th...

08/06/2026

‼️📺 If you missed the TV special highlighting Macombopoly and Forgottonia, you’re in luck! Because the 30-minute prime-time television segment is airing again this Thursday evening (August 6th) at 6:30pm on WYZZ (Fox).

Don’t miss this great tribute to our region and its fascinating past and present.

🎲 If you’re feeling inspired afterwards, then come stroll through Macomb’s historic Downtown Courthouse Square and play a game of Macombopoly! Just download the FREE app from eAtlas to get started.

07/26/2026

🎅 Santa Claus is coming to… the alpaca farm!?

That’s right — Little Creek Alpacas is hosting a “Christmas in July” beach party on Sunday 7/26 from 1-5pm.

Enjoy food trucks, crafts, fiber demonstrations, shopping with local artisans, and more. Tis the season! ❄️☀️

Afterwards, keep the fun going by heading to Macomb’s historic Downtown Courthouse Square to play a game of Macombopoly! Just download the FREE app from eAtlas to get started.

07/23/2026

🎲 Today’s version of the board game Monopoly was a plot twist that creator Macombopoly probably didn’t see coming in 1904.

💰 The game wasn’t originally created to celebrate ruthless capitalism — it was designed to criticize it. Originally The Landlord’s Game, it was meant to show the dangers of monopolies and wealth inequality. Decades later, Charles Darrow popularized a modified version that became Monopoly, while Magie’s role was largely forgotten for years.

We’re always here to champion our barrier-breaking Macomb-native Lizzie Magie. And when you come visit our Downtown Courthouse Square, you can play our version of the game, Macombopoly. Just download the free app from eAtlas to get started.

Read the full article here: https://www.polygon.com/monopoly-creator-origins-elizabeth-magie-charles-darrow-truth/

The original Landlord’s Game was designed to warn players about wealth inequality. The version that survived did the opposite.

07/21/2026

✈️ We did some pretty crazy things with airplanes before we had the internet to distract us… like “wing walking.” Yes, that’s exactly what you think it is. 😳

Today is the anniversary of Colchester’s 1949 Air Show, where pilots performed incredible aviation stunts to a captivated audience. For better or for worse, we’ve found other ways to occupy our time since then, but we love reminiscing on this blast from the past!

🎈 And speaking of things that fly… the Art, Wind & Fire Festival will return to Macomb on September 12-13, 2026! This weekend-long event in Forgottonia features some of our favorite annual events: the Hot Air Balloon Rally, Gazebo Art Festival, and YFC Disc Golf Open. Mark your calendars! 🗓️

More info at: https://www.visitforgottonia.com/local-events/

And here’s another fun way to spend a summer afternoon: head to Macomb’s historic Downtown Courthouse Square to play a game of Macombopoly! Just download the FREE app from eAtlas to get started.



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