Moats, William, Farm
Wood Rd., Ashton, IL Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1987.
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.
Illinois is the birthplace of several famous people, including former U.S. President Ronald Reagan, Nobel Prize-winning physicist Enrico Fermi, and writer Ernest Hemingway.
Ogle County was officially established on January 16, 1836, and became a hub of agricultural activity. The fertile soil and favorable climate made it a prime location for farming, and early settlers quickly turned the area into an agricultural powerhouse. Corn, wheat, and livestock became major commodities, and the county's wealth grew rapidly.
During the mid-19th century, Ogle County played a significant role in the Underground Railroad. Many residents actively supported the abolition of slavery, offering assistance and safe passage to escaped slaves on their journey to freedom. This courageous network of individuals helped many slaves find safety and eventually settle in the county.
Ogle County also saw industrial development in the late 19th century. With the advent of transportation infrastructure, such as railroads, the county's economy diversified. Manufacturing and mining became important sectors, and the population of the county grew steadily. The arrival of the Chicago and Northwestern Railroad in the 1850s further boosted the region's economy.
Today, Ogle County continues to thrive as an agricultural center and a desirable place to live. Its rich history is evident in its preserved heritage sites, such as the historic Lincoln Highway and the Stronghold Castle. Ogle County remains a testament to the hard work and resilience of its early pioneers, and it continues to be an integral part of Illinois' heritage.
Ogle County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Ogle County, Illinois.
- 1835 - Ogle County is officially established
- 1836 - First settlers begin moving to the area
- 1839 - Oregon is chosen as the county seat
- 1841 - First courthouse is built in Oregon
- 1851 - The Galena and Chicago Union Railroad reaches the county
- 1855 - Rochelle is incorporated as a village
- 1867 - The Chicago & North Western Railway is completed through Rochelle
- 1876 - The first courthouse in Oregon is destroyed by fire
- 1877 - Construction of a new courthouse begins
- 1896 - The present-day courthouse in Oregon is completed
- 1911 - Illinois Traction System interurban line reaches Rochelle
- 1929 - Ogle County Historical Society is formed
- 1937 - The Black Hawk Statue is dedicated in Lowden State Park
- 1941 - Byron Nuclear Power Plant begins operation
- 1961 - Rochelle Municipal Airport opens
- 1971 - Kable Printing Company, now Quad/Graphics, opens in Mt. Morris
- 1984 - Oregon State Park opens, featuring the 45-acre Lake
- 1990 - The Ogle County Fair celebrates its 150th anniversary
- 2005 - The Ogle County Board creates the Ogle County Solid Waste Management Department
- 2010 - Ogle County celebrates its 175th anniversary