Near Hebron in McHenry County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Welcome to Illinois
The Northwest Ordinance had placed Illinois' northern boundary at the southern tip of Lake Michigan. During the debate on the statehood bill, Nathanial Pope, Illinois Territory's delegate to Congress, proposed an amendment that set the boundary at its present location. Through Pope's foresight, Illinois gained the fourteen northern counties, including the rich Galena lead mine district and the port of Chicago. The Great Lakes trade route brought settlers from the northeastern states.
Several nearby towns claim distinction. Elgin was the site of a noted watch factory. Dundee was the home of Allan Pinkerton, who founded a detective agency in 1850 and later served as Abraham Lincoln's bodyguard and as director of the spy service during the Civil War.
The Fox River area, formerly a hunting ground for Potawatomi Indians, is now not only a sportsman's paradise but also a land of dairy farms and resorts.
Erected 1982 by Illinois Department of Transportation and the Illinois State Historical Society.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Illinois State Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1673.
Location. 42° 26.556′ N, 88° 26.253′ W. Marker is near Hebron, Illinois, in McHenry County. Marker is at the intersection of Illinois Route 47 and O'Brien-Vanderkaw Road, on the right when traveling south on State Route 47. The marker is located in the southwest corner of the junction if IL 47 and the O'Brien-Vanderkaw Road, in a vehicle turnoff. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Hebron IL 60034, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 11 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. First Swedish Settlers in Wisconsin (approx. 6.9 miles away in Wisconsin); Wisconsin's First 4-H Club (approx. 7.4 miles away in Wisconsin); Eugene Debs and Old McHenry County Jail (approx. 8.8 miles away); McHenry County Civil War Monument (approx. 8.9 miles away); Woodstock Opera House (approx. 8.9 miles away); The Lake Geneva Seminary (approx. 10.1 miles away in Wisconsin); Andy Gump (approx. 10.2 miles away in Wisconsin); The Whiting House & Hotel Geneva (approx. 10.2 miles away in Wisconsin).
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 25, 2014, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,990 times since then and 83 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 25, 2014, by Paul Fehrenbach of Germantown, Wisconsin. • Al Wolf was the editor who published this page.