Grand Detour in Ogle County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Erected to the memory of Leonard Andrus founder of the village of Grand Detour Illinois 1835

Leonard Andrus, founder of the village of Grand Detour, Illinois, 1835 image. Click for full size.

August 20, 2015

1. Leonard Andrus, founder of the village of Grand Detour, Illinois, 1835

Inscription. Erected to the memory of Leonard Andrus founder of the village of Grand Detour Illinois 1835. Adjudicator of land claims, ferry operator, carrier of mail and travelers, first commissioner of schools in Ogle County, manufacturer, vestryman, legislator.

In 1837 Leonard Andrus and John Deere built the first Grand Detour steel moldboard plough. The new plough was made in Deere's shop in limited numbers until about 1843, when Andrus established on this site a plough manufactory which he operated until his death in 1867. At different times he had as partners John Deere, H.H. Paine, O.C. Lathrop, Amos Bosworth, and Theron Cumins. The product of this enterprise stimulated farm development throughout the prairie states and was the basis of the steel plow industry. Today others carry on the ideals of the founder.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1835.

Location. 41° 53.773′ N, 89° 24.789′ W. Marker is in Grand Detour, Illinois, in Ogle County. Marker is at the intersection of Illinois Route 2 and Ridge Road, on the right when traveling north on State Route 2. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Dixon IL 61021, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 5 miles of this marker, measured as

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

the crow flies. The Grand Detour Plow Factory (a few steps from this marker); Grand Detour, Illinois (within shouting distance of this marker); Upper Ferry Landing (within shouting distance of this marker); John Deere Home and Shop (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); La Sallier's Cabin (approx. one mile away); Site of the First Cabin Built for Hon. Joseph Crawford (approx. one mile away); Christopher Brookner House (approx. 4.8 miles away); Lincoln in the Black Hawk War (approx. 5 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Grand Detour.

More about this marker. Marker is nearby the preserved ruins of the factory described thereon.

Foundation of the plow factory constructed by Leonard Andrus and John Deere in 1846 image. Click for full size.

August 20, 2015

2. Foundation of the plow factory constructed by Leonard Andrus and John Deere in 1846

Credits. This page was last revised on April 3, 2019. It was originally submitted on March 22, 2019. This page has been viewed 735 times since then and 85 times this year. Last updated on April 3, 2019. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 22, 2019. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.