The first meeting between the Northwestern Wildcats and the Illinois Fighting Illinois took place in 1892 when the programs battled to a 16-16 tie in Champaign. Interestingly, the two teams again played to a tie in Evanston the following year, this time a scoreless one. This is fitting as the rivalry remains among the closest in the Big Ten, with Illinois currently holding a 57-55-5 advantage.
The first “rivalry trophy” battle between the two schools took place in 1945 when Northwestern took home the Sweet Sioux Tomahawk, and this was the prize until 2008. The NCAA called for an end to any Native American Imagery. After a fan vote it was decided that The Land of Lincoln Trophy would replace the Tomahawk and be awarded to the winner of each Northwestern and Illinois football game.
Chicago Tribune cartoonist Dick Locher designed the Land of Lincoln Trophy, and the actual size of the wooden base is 14 X 14 inches and weighs 28.5 lbs. Our replica checks in with a base of 12x12, stands 11 inches, and weighs 9 ½ lbs. It is an excellent representation of one of the Big Ten Conference’s oldest and most competitive rivalries.