Fulton celebrates a rich Dutch heritage, rooted in early immigration to its Mississippi River location, where the riverbank's natural bounty supported fishing, hunting, excursions, boating, and vacationing. From the beginning of settlement, its Dutch culture made Fulton a welcoming river town for people drawn to its beauty and enjoyments. In 1916, Fulton was listed in The Complete Official Road Guide of the Lincoln Highway as offering hotels, garages, banks, express companies, a telegraph company, 50-60 general businesses, protected railroad crossings, and concrete and brick improvements. Travelers were directed to a bridge open night and day, and Fulton became known as an ideal stop for westbound travelers to rest, refuel, enjoy refreshment, and take in the beauty of the Mississippi. As the western terminus of the Illinois portion of the Lincoln Highway, Fulton was known as the gateway to the west and promoted with tourist campgrounds, hotels, restaurants, and garages along its picturesque river banks.