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History of all 16 Counties: #5 Fulton County

FULTON COUNTY

Map of Illinois highlighting Fulton County

Population: 34,844 (2020 Census, named for Robert Fulton, inventor of the steamboat).
County Seat: Lewistown

Key Cities and Towns

    1. Canton (Population: 15,703)
      • History & Industry: Founded in 1825, Canton thrived as a factory town due to railroads, coal, and proximity to the Illinois River. Once a major cigar producer and home to P&O Plow Works, later International Harvester (closed 1983).
      • Notable Events: Major gas explosion in 2016 caused significant damage.
      • Landmarks & Employers: Illinois River Correctional Center, Cook Medical (specialized global products). Spoon River College is also located here.
      • Notable Figures:
        • Inventors: Charles Duryea (gasoline-powered car), Elizabeth Maggie (precursor to Monopoly).
        • Athletes: Tony Blazine, Boomer Grigsby, and Harry Jacobs.
        • Creatives: Jack Fisk (filmmaker), Ian Wolfe (actor), Barbara Mertz (author).
        • Others: Astronaut Steven R. Nagel and philanthropist Bill Cook.
    2. Farmington (Population: 2,448)
      • History: Named after Farmington, CT; previously inhabited by Potawatomi. Known for its Underground Railroad connections.
      • Notable Events: Abraham Lincoln gave a speech here during his campaigns.
      • Notable Figures: Actor Lewis Russell, baseball player Bill Tuttle (advocate against chewing tobacco).
    3. Lewistown (Population: 2,384)
      • History: County seat, founded by Ossian Ross, named after his son Lewis. Strong connections to the Civil War and abolition movements.
      • Cultural Highlights: Edgar Lee Masters’ Spoon River Anthology was based here.
      • Landmarks: Dickson Mounds Museum (Native American heritage), Rasmussen Blacksmith Shop.
      • Notable Figures:
        • Writers: Edgar Lee Masters.
        • Musicians: Lloyd Loar (F5 mandolin, L5 guitar).
        • Historical Figures: Isaac Newton Walker (friend of Lincoln), Brigadier General Leonard Fulton Ross.
    4. Cuba (Population: 1,294)
      • History: Formed from two towns merging in 1837.
      • Notable Figures: Paul H. Landis (rural sociology pioneer), Harry K. Newburn (university president), Joe Decker (world’s “Fittest Man”).
    5. Astoria (Population: 1,141)
    6. Avon (Population: 799)
      • History: Renamed to avoid confusion with other Illinois towns. Former railroad stop.
      • Notable Figures: Ken Carpenter (TV/radio announcer).
    7. Vermont (Population: 667)
      • History: Founded in 1835, home to influential politicians like Thomas Ray Hamer and John C. Phillips.

    Smaller Communities

    • St. David (589), Fairview (522), Ipava (470): Notable as the birthplace of Frank Lovell (socialist leader) and filmmaker Jack Fisk.
    • Table Grove (416), London Mills (392): Partially extends into Knox County.
    • Dunfermline (300): Named for Scottish settlers.
    • Others: Smithfield, Bryant, Norris, and Ellisville (96) are steeped in local history but are quieter in modern times.

Key Landmarks

  1. Dickson Mounds Museum: This archaeological site and museum preserves and celebrates the legacy of Native American cultures in the Illinois River Valley.
  2. Emiquon National Wildlife Refuge: A restoration site for wetlands and prairies, providing a haven for wildlife and a serene spot for visitors.
  3. Spoon River Scenic Drive: A beloved annual event since 1968, showcasing the county’s scenic beauty and local artisans every October.
  4. Ogden-Fettie Site: A collection of 35 Woodland Mounds dating from 100 BC to 400 AD, offering insights into the Havana Hopewell Culture.

Notable Figures

  • Edgar Lee Masters: Author of Spoon River Anthology, whose works immortalized the region’s history and characters.
  • Elizabeth Maggie: Inventor of The Landlord’s Game, a precursor to Monopoly.
  • Joe Decker: Recognized as the “World’s Fittest Man,” a testament to determination and physical endurance.
  • William “Bill” Cook: Entrepreneur and philanthropist, founder of Cook Medical.
  • Charles Duryea: Engineer of the first American gasoline-powered car.
  • Jack Fisk: Academy Award-nominated filmmaker, known for collaborations with his wife, actress Sissy Spacek.

Fun Facts

  • Fulton County was once home to Camp Ellis, a WWII training base and prisoner-of-war camp.
  • Canton was known as the Midwest’s largest cigar manufacturing hub during its peak.
  • Farmington played a significant role in the Underground Railroad, a critical pathway for escaping slaves.

Resources for More Information

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