Elgin in Kane County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
The Log Cabin Home of James T. Gifford
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 16, 2026
1. The Log Cabin Home of James T. Gifford Marker
Founder of Elgin
A.D. 1835
Placed by the Fox Valley Old Settlers Association
Replaced by the Elgin Heritage Commission
Erected by Fox Valley Old Settlers Association; Elgin Heritage Commission.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Buildings • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1835.
Location. 42° 2.065′ N, 88° 16.735′ W. Marker is in Elgin, Illinois, in Kane County. It is at the intersection of Prairie Street and Villa Street on Prairie Street. The marker is in the northwestern corner of Davidson Park. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 314 Prairie Street, 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: W.W. I Memorial Davidson Park (a few steps from this marker); Davidson Park (a few steps from this marker); Elgin Historic District (a few steps from this marker); James T. Giffords Log House (within shouting distance of this marker); Gifford-Davidson House (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Veteran Post 49 G.A.R. Memorial
this page online
More about this marker. It is not known if this stone has been moved since it was originally erected, and thus if the home was indeed 12 paces away from this spot. However, modern sources say his first home was indeed a very short distance north of where this park is today. Gifford's second house was just west of this spot; it has also been razed. His third and final home in Elgin, completed right before he died in 1850, is still standing about a half-block west of here.
Another marker, about 85 feet west of here, also honors Gifford's log cabin and its use as Elgin's first church.
Photographed by Sean P. Flynn, May 16, 2026
2. The Log Cabin Home of James T. Gifford Marker in Davidson Park
This marker is in the corner of the triangular Davidson Park; several other memorials are visible in the background. To the left of the tree is a stone with another marker about Gifford's log house, and specifically its use as Elgin's first church. Behind this stone (and obscured by a tree) is the Doughboy statue that is Elgin's World War I memorial. The white sign near the street is about Davdison Park's history, with another marker on its rear about the Elgin Historic District.
Credits. This page was last revised on May 26, 2026. It was originally submitted on May 18, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. This page has been viewed 11 times since then. Photos: 1. submitted on May 18, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois. 2. submitted on May 20, 2026, by Sean P. Flynn of Oak Park, Illinois.
