Elkhart in Logan County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Heritage Corner
Village of Elkhart
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Village History
For many years, several Indian tribes populated the area around Elkhart Hill. When James Latham, the first white settler, arrived in 1819, the area became known as Elk Heart Grove. Elkhart City was founded by John Shockey in 1855, two years after the arrival of the railroad. In 1979, the village's name changed to Elkhart
Early Residents
John Dean Gillett (1819-1888)
Illinois Governor Richard J. Oglesby (1824-1899)
Captain Adam H. Bogardus (1833-1913)
Garland (Jake) Stahl (1879-1922)
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Elkhart Hill
Rich in history and natural beauty, Elkhart is famous for its unique landscape - a tree covered hill that rises 777 feet above sea level, surrounded by a horizon of flat Illinois prairie land. Geologically, the hill is a glacial moraine remaining from a late Illinoian Age ice advance. It is noteable due to its comparatively large size. Regionally, the hill proved to be a landmark for Native Americans and European settlers. Edwards Trace, or Old Indian Trail, was an ancient route that flanked Elkhart Hill and was used for thousands of years by the Native Americans. As early as 1711, French priests and trappers traveled its path and it was a major route for pioneers in the early 1800s. Locally little is left of the at least 3,000-year-old trail except for a preserved remnant near Springfield - and two distinct fragments on Elkhart Hill.
(right panel is a map key for Points of Interest)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Native Americans • Settlements & Settlers.
Location. 40° 1.2′ N, 89° 28.925′ W. Marker is in Elkhart, Illinois, in Logan County. Marker is at the intersection of Governor Oglesby Street and South Bogardus Street, on the right when traveling east on Governor Oglesby Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 208 Governor Oglesby St, Elkhart IL 62634, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Lincoln-Latham-Douglas at the Kentucky House (here, next to this marker); Lincoln With John Dean Gillett (here, next to this marker); Route 66 in Elkhart (within shouting distance of this marker); Veterans Memorial (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Elkhart Public Library (about 500 feet away); 1917 Krupp K-14 Light Artillery Cannon (about 500 feet away); Elkhart, Illinois (approx. half a mile away); Elkhart Cemetery (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Elkhart.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 16, 2020. It was originally submitted on December 16, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 110 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 16, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. 3. submitted on November 9, 2020, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.