National Register Listing

Galesburg Historic District

a.k.a. See Also:Meeting House of the Central Congregational Church

Roughly bounded by Berrien, Clark, Pearl, and Sanborn Sts., Galesburg, IL
Local significance of the district:
Education; Exploration/settlement; Architecture

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1976.

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.

education exploration settlementT architecture
Illinois was the first state in the country to ratify the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution, which abolished slavery. The amendment was ratified by Illinois on February 1, 1865, before it was ratified by any other state.
Illinois random facts
Knox County, Illinois, located in the western part of the state, has a rich history that dates back to the early 19th century. The county was established in 1825 and was named after Henry Knox, the first Secretary of War in George Washington's administration. The area that is now Knox County was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, primarily the Sauk and Fox tribes.

In the early 1800s, European settlers began to arrive in Knox County. The town of Knoxville was founded in 1832 and became the county seat in 1834. The arrival of the railroad in the mid-19th century helped to bring growth and development to the area, connecting Knox County to other parts of Illinois and the broader region.

One of the significant events in Knox County's history was the military training camp known as Camp Douglas, established during the Civil War. The camp, located near the town of Sycamore, played a crucial role in training thousands of soldiers for the Union Army.

Over the years, Knox County has been known for its agriculture, particularly the production of corn and soybeans. The county is also home to several educational institutions, including Knox College, a private liberal arts college founded in 1837.

Today, Knox County continues to be a bustling community with a diverse economy and a strong sense of history and pride. Its rich heritage, combined with its natural beauty and vibrant communities, make it a unique and inviting place to live and visit.

This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Knox County, Illinois.

  • 1825 - Knox County is established on January 13.
  • 1830 - The first permanent settlement is established in the county.
  • 1831 - The first courthouse is built in the county.
  • 1837 - Galesburg is founded and becomes the county seat.
  • 1843 - The Knox College is established in Galesburg.
  • 1857 - The Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad reaches Galesburg.
  • 1860 - The first public library in Illinois is established in Galesburg.
  • 1861 - Galesburg becomes an important station on the Underground Railroad.
  • 1885 - The Lombard College is founded in Galesburg.
  • 1955 - Knox County's first television station, WGIL-TV, begins broadcasting.
  • 2002 - The Knox County War Memorial is dedicated in Knoxville.
  • 2010 - The county's population reaches its peak at over 52,000.