Bishop Hill
Two miles north of here, religious dissident immigrants from Sweden founded the communal society of Bishop Hill in 1846. The charismatic Erik Jansson lead the society spiritually and temporally until 1850 when he was murdered.
By 1854, a total of 1200 followers of all ages and backgrounds had arrived at Bishop Hill. Overcoming many hardships and trials, 12,000 acres of virgin land was improved for agricultural purposes. Various crops, including flax, broom corn and grain were grown. Orchards were also planted and furniture was manufactured.
In 1861, dissatisfaction and disillusionment resulted in a breakup of the society and the land was divided among the members.
Erected 1987 by Illinois Department of Transportation; and Illinois State Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Churches & Religion • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Illinois State Historical Society, and the National Historic Landmarks series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1846.
Location. 41° 9.903′ N, 90° 7.036′ W. Marker is near Bishop Hill, Illinois, in Henry County. Marker is on Walter Payton Memorial Highway (U.S. 34) just west of
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 13 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Bishop Hill Colony Historic District (approx. 2˝ miles away); 1851 Carpentry Shop (approx. 2˝ miles away); Fraker's Grove (approx. 7.2 miles away); Henry County Veterans Memorial (approx. 10.3 miles away); Ira R. Palmer (approx. 10.3 miles away); Henry County Civil War Monument (approx. 10.4 miles away); Abraham Lincoln in Kewanee (approx. 11.3 miles away); Presbyterian Cemetery (approx. 12.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bishop Hill.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Bishop Hill Colony
Also see . . .
1. Bishop Hill - A Thriving Historical Community - since 1846!. Website homepage (Submitted on May 5, 2023, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
2. Bishop Hill, Illinois. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on May 5, 2023, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Credits. This page was last revised on May 5, 2023. It was originally submitted on July 17, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 183 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 17, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
