Mershon, Joab, House
a.k.a. Wyne, Walter, House
507 W. 5th St., Vermont, IL Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1996.
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
The Chicago Cubs baseball team has the longest championship drought in North American professional sports history. The Cubs won their last World Series in 1908, and they famously ended their 108-year championship drought by winning the World Series in 2016.
The county was officially established in 1823 and named after Robert Fulton, the inventor of the steamboat. The introduction of steamboats brought significant economic development to Fulton County, as trade along the Illinois River increased, and communities like Havana and Lewistown flourished. Agriculture also played a vital role during this time, with farmers cultivating crops and raising livestock to support the growing population.
During the mid-19th century, Fulton County became an important hub for the Underground Railroad, aiding escaped slaves in their journey to freedom. The county's geographical location, with its proximity to the Mississippi River and connections to other abolitionist communities, made it an attractive destination for freedom seekers. This era of resistance and activism helped shape the county's identity as a place of social progress.
In later years, Fulton County experienced economic decline and population loss due to factors such as the decline of the steamboat industry and changes in agricultural practices. However, efforts to conserve its historical sites and promote tourism have helped revitalize the county's economy in recent decades. Today, Fulton County continues to honor its diverse past, celebrate its cultural heritage, and embrace its natural beauty.
Fulton County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Fulton County, Illinois.
- 1819: Fulton County was established on January 28, 1819.
- 1823: The county seat was established in Lewistown.
- 1836: The first courthouse in Fulton County was built.
- 1843: The Illinois River flooded, causing extensive damage to the county.
- 1858: The second courthouse was built in Lewistown.
- 1861-1865: Fulton County participates in the American Civil War.
- 1871: The Great Chicago Fire results in an influx of settlers to Fulton County.
- 1893: The third and current courthouse was completed in Lewistown.
- 1918-1919: The influenza pandemic affects Fulton County.
- 1933-1942: The Great Depression and World War II impact the county.
- 1943: Camp Ellis, a military training center, is established in Fulton County.
- 1965: The giant spoon and cherry sculpture is erected in Ipava.
- 1993: Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) declared the county a Superfund site.
- 2007: A tornado causes significant damage to the county.
- 2019: Fulton County celebrates its 200th anniversary.