Troy Grove in LaSalle County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Wild Bill Hickok
State Memorial
Photographed by Jason Voigt, June 11, 2022
1. Wild Bill Hickok Marker
James Butler "Wild Bill" Hickok was born May 27, 1837, in a house that stood on this block. His parents, William A. and Polly Butler Hickok, settled in Troy Grove (then called Homer) in 1836 after living for a time at Tonica (then called Bailey's Point). Here William operated a store until it failed, when he moved his growing family to a farm north of town. On William's death in 1852 the family moved back into Troy Grove. Young James worked to help support the family until about 1856, when he left Troy Grove for Kansas Territory and set out on the path that would bring him fame.
William A. Hickok supported antislavery efforts, and his homes were said to have served as stops on the Underground Railroad that aided African Americans fleeing from bondage.
Erected by Illinois Historic Preservation Agency.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is May 27, 1837.
Location. 41° 27.976′ N, 89° 5′ W. Marker is in Troy Grove, Illinois, in LaSalle County. It is on Main Street north of Ottawa Street, on the right
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Northern Illinois and specifically in the Illinois River Valley. 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 8 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Prudence Crandall: Abolitionist, Educator, and Woman’s Rights Advocate (here, next to this marker); James Butler "Wild Bill" Hickok (within shouting distance of this marker); Troy Grove Township Veterans Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Civil War Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Railroads and the Founding of Mendota (approx. 6.1 miles away); Cherry Mine Disaster (approx. 7.2 miles away); We of Cherry Honor Our Service Personnel
Photographed by Jason Voigt, June 11, 2022
2. Wild Bill Hickok Marker
Marker is located at the entrance of the walkway that leads to Wild Bill Hickok State Memorial site.
Also see . . . Wild Bill Hickok on Wikipedia. (Submitted on June 12, 2022, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois.)
Photographed by Matthew Stevens, September 6, 2026
3. Wild Bill Hickok Marker & Main Street
Main Street can be seen to the left of this marker
Credits. This page was last revised on September 15, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 12, 2022, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. This page has been viewed 1,771 times since then and 134 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 12, 2022, by Jason Voigt of Glen Carbon, Illinois. 3. submitted on September 7, 2026, by Matthew Stevens of Washington, Illinois.
