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The state of Illinois played a crucial role in the Underground Railroad, a network of secret routes and safe houses used by slaves to escape to freedom in the 19th century. Many abolitionists in Illinois provided safe houses for escaping slaves, and Chicago was a key hub on the Underground Railroad.
About Kendall County
Kendall County Timeline
Kendall County, Illinois, located in the northeastern part of the state, has a rich history dating back to the early 19th century. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, such as the Pottawatomi and the Kickapoo. In the early 1800s, European settlers began to arrive, attracted by the fertile land and abundant natural resources.
The county was officially established in 1841 and named after Amos Kendall, who was postmaster general during President Andrew Jackson's administration. Agriculture played a significant role in the county's early economy, with farmers cultivating corn, wheat, and dairy products. The construction of the Illinois & Michigan Canal in the 1830s further facilitated trade and settlement in the area.
As Kendall County grew, so did its towns and cities. Yorkville, the county seat, was originally known as Bristol and was home to a stagecoach stop and post office. Oswego, another important settlement, became a central hub for the coal industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Plano, located in the southern part of the county, gained prominence as a major manufacturing center with the establishment of the Plano Manufacturing Company in 1881.
Over the years, Kendall County experienced significant economic and population growth. The advent of the railroad in the late 1800s boosted transportation and trade, leading to expanded opportunities for businesses and residents alike. Today, Kendall County continues to thrive as a suburban community, with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, and services.
In summary, Kendall County's history is shaped by its early Native American inhabitants, the arrival of European settlers, the growth of agriculture and manufacturing, and its transformation into a suburban community with a diverse economy.
The county was officially established in 1841 and named after Amos Kendall, who was postmaster general during President Andrew Jackson's administration. Agriculture played a significant role in the county's early economy, with farmers cultivating corn, wheat, and dairy products. The construction of the Illinois & Michigan Canal in the 1830s further facilitated trade and settlement in the area.
As Kendall County grew, so did its towns and cities. Yorkville, the county seat, was originally known as Bristol and was home to a stagecoach stop and post office. Oswego, another important settlement, became a central hub for the coal industry in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Plano, located in the southern part of the county, gained prominence as a major manufacturing center with the establishment of the Plano Manufacturing Company in 1881.
Over the years, Kendall County experienced significant economic and population growth. The advent of the railroad in the late 1800s boosted transportation and trade, leading to expanded opportunities for businesses and residents alike. Today, Kendall County continues to thrive as a suburban community, with a diverse economy that includes agriculture, manufacturing, and services.
In summary, Kendall County's history is shaped by its early Native American inhabitants, the arrival of European settlers, the growth of agriculture and manufacturing, and its transformation into a suburban community with a diverse economy.
Kendall County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Kendall County, Illinois.
- 1835: Kendall County formed from parts of LaSalle and Kane Counties
- 1836: First settlers arrive in the county
- 1837: Yorkville becomes the county seat
- 1841: Kendall County's first newspaper, "Kendall County Record," is established
- 1859: The first railroad, Chicago & Mississippi Railroad, is completed through the county
- 1878: Plano is incorporated as a city
- 1899: Montgomery is incorporated as a village
- 1920: First paved roads are built in the county
- 1986: Kendall County Courthouse is listed on the National Register of Historic Places
- 1990: Kendall County's population surpasses 50,000