Elgin in Kane County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
James T. and Hezekiah Gifford
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 16, 2026
1. James T. and Hezekiah Gifford Marker
Erected 1976 by City of Elgin.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the The Spirit of 76, Americas Bicentennial Celebration series list. A significant historical date for this entry is April 3, 1835.
Location. 42° 2.388′ N, 88° 17.163′ W. Marker is in Elgin, Illinois, in Kane County. It is on Civic Center Plaza. The marker is in Civic Center Plaza, on the south side of the court building. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Elgin IL 60120, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in Greater Chicago. It is also in the American Midwest and on the Great Lakes. 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 walking distance of this marker: Communication Station (within shouting distance of this marker); Mother Skye (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Elgin Milk Condensing Company (about 300 feet away); "The Ultimate Sacrifice" (about 700 feet away); The Elgin Windmill (approx. 0.2 miles away); Elgin Wind Power and Pump Company (approx. 0.2 miles away); Gail Borden Library (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Pioneer Memorial Statue (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Elgin.
Regarding James T. and Hezekiah Gifford. The bust depicts James T. Gifford, who came from Upstate New York to Illinois with his brother Hezekiah and settled here on the Fox River, about 35 miles west of Chicago. They named it Elgin,
this page online
James Gifford's log cabin and two subsequent homes built before his death were about a half-mile southeast of this spot. Gifford platted the city and gifted its first park. He died in 1850 and is interred in Bluff city Cemetery. Hezekiah died in 1877 in Kansas and is buried in Bluff City Cemetery.
Also see . . . History of Elgin. From the citys official website. (Submitted on May 16, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.)
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 16, 2026
2. James T. and Hezekiah Gifford Marker
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 16, 2026
3. James T. Gifford bust
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 16, 2026
4. City officials when this bust was erected
Credits. This page was last revised on May 20, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 16, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 14 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 16, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.
