Historical Markers in Woodford County, Illinois
Chicago's Lincoln Park Zoo was founded in 1868, making it one of the oldest zoos in the United States. The zoo originally housed a pair of swans, but it has since grown to house over 1,000 animals from around the world.
About Woodford County
Woodford County Timeline
Woodford County, located in central Illinois, has a rich history that dates back to the early 1800s. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes such as the Kickapoo and Piankashaw. European settlement began in the early 1820s, with the establishment of Fort Clark. This fort served as a trading post for fur traders and explorers passing through the region.
In 1831, Woodford County was officially established and named after Woodford, Kentucky. The county quickly grew with the arrival of more settlers, attracted by the fertile Illinois prairie and the opportunities for farming. The first county seat was located in Versailles but later moved to the current location of Eureka in 1896.
The county's economy was primarily agricultural, with crops like corn, wheat, and oats being the main products. In the mid-19th century, the construction of canals and railroads brought increased connectivity to Woodford County, facilitating the transportation of goods and further contributing to its growth.
Woodford County played a significant role in the Civil War, with many of its residents volunteering to fight for the Union Army. The county also supported the Underground Railroad, helping slaves escape to freedom.
Today, Woodford County remains a rural community with a strong agricultural heritage. The county's historic sites and landmarks, such as the Woodford County Courthouse and the Eureka College campus, serve as reminders of its noteworthy past.
In 1831, Woodford County was officially established and named after Woodford, Kentucky. The county quickly grew with the arrival of more settlers, attracted by the fertile Illinois prairie and the opportunities for farming. The first county seat was located in Versailles but later moved to the current location of Eureka in 1896.
The county's economy was primarily agricultural, with crops like corn, wheat, and oats being the main products. In the mid-19th century, the construction of canals and railroads brought increased connectivity to Woodford County, facilitating the transportation of goods and further contributing to its growth.
Woodford County played a significant role in the Civil War, with many of its residents volunteering to fight for the Union Army. The county also supported the Underground Railroad, helping slaves escape to freedom.
Today, Woodford County remains a rural community with a strong agricultural heritage. The county's historic sites and landmarks, such as the Woodford County Courthouse and the Eureka College campus, serve as reminders of its noteworthy past.
Woodford County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Woodford County, Illinois.
- 1825 - Woodford County is established as a county in the state of Illinois.
- 1837 - The county seat is established in the town of Metamora.
- 1852 - The first railroad is built, connecting Woodford County to other parts of Illinois and facilitating transportation and trade.
- 1861-1865 - Woodford County actively participates in the American Civil War, with many residents enlisting in the Union Army.
- 1875 - The current Woodford County Courthouse in Eureka is completed, replacing the original courthouse in Metamora.
- 1930s - Woodford County, like many areas across the United States, suffers from the Great Depression, with significant economic challenges and high unemployment rates.
- 1978 - Eureka College, located in Woodford County, becomes the official site of the Ronald Reagan Museum and Peace Garden.
- 2013 - The Woodford County Historical Society is established, dedicated to preserving and promoting the county's history.