Bishop Hill was established in 1846 by Swedish immigrants seeking religious freedom and economic opportunities. This charming village, 160 miles west of Chicago, was a prosperous colony of 1,100 industrious Swedes. It featured 18 buildings constructed of handmade bricks and 12,000 acres under cultivation. The Colony exported broom corn, linen, wagons, and fine carriages. It was a communal society in which members lived, worked, worshiped, and dined together. Labor and profits were equally shared. After 16 years, the colony disbanded by mutual consent and property was divided among colony members. A renewed interest in the history of Bishop Hill in the 1960s prompted action by federal, state, and local preservation agencies. Today Bishop Hill is a National Landmark Village, listed int he National Register of Historic Places and it is an Illinois State Historic Site.
For further information on the history, businesses, and events in Bishop Hill visit these sites:
Town Map of Bishop Hill
