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 • Religion & Religious Structures • 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.
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Northern Illinois. It is also in the American Midwest and in the Corn Belt. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the territory of the Mississippian Culture and also the Northwest Territory.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Bishop Hill Colony Historic District (approx. 2½ miles away); 1851 Carpentry Shop (approx. 2½ miles away); George Helgesen Fitch (approx. 3.7 miles away); To the Sons of this Community Who Gave Their Future to Preserve Our Heritage (approx. 3.7 miles away); The Scrap Drive of 1942 (approx. 3.7 miles away); Our Gävlebocken
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 582 times since then and 54 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on July 17, 2021, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
