BISHOP HILL PARK

 

This 4.5 acre park belongs to the people and the State of Illinois and was dedicated in 1946,

one hundred years from the date the colony was founded by the Jansonites. It sometimes is used

as a meeting point of many functions: i.e. family gatherings, picnics, historical events, i.e. Old

Settlers reunions, etc. Reportedly, the first Swedish settlers built their dugouts and their first home away from their

Motherland country of Sweden in the bank of the ravine that ran through the park and ball diamond.

The bank and ravine was filled in years ago but records indicate that the dugouts were located about

where about where the reconstructed gazebo is now.

Upon entering the southeast end of the park, you'll see some round stones. These stones were

from the old grist mill that ground bark. There are two monuments, one honoring the Bishop Hill soldiers and

heroes in the Civil War.

The dedication of this statue was in 1899. The other monument, honors the colonists who came

over to Bishop Hill and settled the land here. The dedication of this monument was by the governor of

Illinois when the State was given the park and the Old Colony Church in 1946. Since that time, Bishop

Hill was made a national landmark.

 

Etching and story by Jordan Murray

©Wini Caudell and Contributors

All Rights Reserved

Illinois Ancestors