History of Greenville-Bond County

History of Greenville-Bond County. . Illinois Confederacy Indians roamed this prairie land, rich in game, which became Illinois County of Virginia. Ceded in 1784 to the United States it was successively included in the Northwest, Indiana; and in 1809, Illinois Territory. Formed in 1817, Bond County named for Shadrack Bond extended to the Canadian border and was one of 15 counties represented at first State Constitutional Convention. Settlers came in 1806, Jones-Greene Fort was built 1807, Hills' Fort founded 1811 was an anchor post in War of 18 12. First seat of justice at Hills Fort 1817, Perryville second county seat 1818. Greenville, founded 1815, third county seat 1821. This court house is on the original site, the land a gift of George Davidson founder of Greenville. First church in county founded 1818. First school taught 1819. First sabbath school in southern Illinois organized in Bond County. Two companies of Bond County Militia served in Black Hawk War. First Post Office in county at Ripley on Vandalia to Alton Road. Located on the National Trail, Greenville has had a post office since 1825, daily mail service since 1847. Clark Lodge #3, I.O.O.F., founded 1838 oldest lodge chapter in continuous existence in Illinois. First newspaper published 1845. Plans for Mississippi and Atlantic Railroad , later part of Penn Central System, originated here in 1847. Greenville one of first cities in Illinois to be incorporated 1855. Almira College for women founded 1855, original building still in use at Greenville College, included in the National Register of Historic Places. The Ladies Library Association, now Greenville Public Library, started 1855. Stephan [sic] A. Douglas and Abraham Lincoln spoke here in 1858. Stations of Underground Railway were in Greenville and Bond County. 1934 the Federate Club presented land for Greenville City Park, only park in state purchased and developed by women. Bond County Historical Society organized 1955, museum opened 1958. Utlaut Memorial Hospital opened 1960. Shadrack Bond Lake, 770 acres of water, dedicated 1971. Richard W. Bock Museum opened 1975.