| Bishop Hill, Utopia on the Prairie |
| "Where Memories Are Made" |
Bishop Hill History
The History of Bishop Hill
Religious dissident immigrants from Sweden founded the communal society of Bishop Hill in
1846. The charismatic Erik Jansson led the society spiritually and temporarily until 1850 when
he was murdered.
By 1854, a total of 1200 followers of all ages and backgrounds had arrived at Bishop Hill.
Over coming many hardships and trials, 12000 acres of virgin land was improved for
agricultural purposes. Various crops including flax, broom corn, and grain were grown.
Orchards were also planted and furniture was manufactured. Bishop Hill quickly became
known as one of the largest manufacturers of wagons and buggys.
In 1861, dissatisfaction and disillusionment in the breakup of the society and the land was
divided among its members. Many of the homes and building still are owned by family
members of original immigrants to Bishop Hill.
Midwest Living Magazine names Bishop Hill as one of the best 100
towns to visit.
Bishop Hill Business Directory:
Shops, Dining, Museums, and Lodging
All shops are open April - December, with MOST shops open now January
- March as well! Cabin Fever? Escape to Bishop Hill...excellent walking tours also
available by calling 309-927-3899. Need info on shops feel free to contact us at Bishop Hill
Fine Arts 309-927-3020 and we will make every effort to assist you.
Bring the family or friends for a few hours or a few days. Bishop Hill, Illinois is "What
Memories Are Made Of"...whether you are making new memories or reliving "days of old".
Bishop Hill park is the perfect spot for a family picnic with a play area for the kids and plenty
of lush grass just waiting to be reclined on.
"Day Trippin" or Want to Set Up a Tour/Fine Arts Class:
Check out these websites: www.bishophillfinearts.com (fine arts class instruction and overall
info regarding all your shopping, dining, and accommodation needs, as well as accommodation
reservation of family friendly 2nd. floor loft guest apartment - available for nightly, weekly,
monthly lodging) and www.bishophillartscouncil.com (tour) and for shopping, dining, and
overnight accommodations click on www.bishophill.com.
Relocation Information:
Thinking of moving to Bishop Hill or starting or moving a business, click here.
Religious dissident immigrants from Sweden founded the communal society of Bishop Hill in
1846. The charismatic Erik Jansson led the society spiritually and temporarily until 1850 when
he was murdered.
By 1854, a total of 1200 followers of all ages and backgrounds had arrived at Bishop Hill.
Over coming many hardships and trials, 12000 acres of virgin land was improved for
agricultural purposes. Various crops including flax, broom corn, and grain were grown.
Orchards were also planted and furniture was manufactured. Bishop Hill quickly became
known as one of the largest manufacturers of wagons and buggys.
In 1861, dissatisfaction and disillusionment in the breakup of the society and the land was
divided among its members. Many of the homes and building still are owned by family
members of original immigrants to Bishop Hill.
Midwest Living Magazine names Bishop Hill as one of the best 100
towns to visit.
Bishop Hill Business Directory:
Shops, Dining, Museums, and Lodging
All shops are open April - December, with MOST shops open now January
- March as well! Cabin Fever? Escape to Bishop Hill...excellent walking tours also
available by calling 309-927-3899. Need info on shops feel free to contact us at Bishop Hill
Fine Arts 309-927-3020 and we will make every effort to assist you.
Bring the family or friends for a few hours or a few days. Bishop Hill, Illinois is "What
Memories Are Made Of"...whether you are making new memories or reliving "days of old".
Bishop Hill park is the perfect spot for a family picnic with a play area for the kids and plenty
of lush grass just waiting to be reclined on.
"Day Trippin" or Want to Set Up a Tour/Fine Arts Class:
Check out these websites: www.bishophillfinearts.com (fine arts class instruction and overall
info regarding all your shopping, dining, and accommodation needs, as well as accommodation
reservation of family friendly 2nd. floor loft guest apartment - available for nightly, weekly,
monthly lodging) and www.bishophillartscouncil.com (tour) and for shopping, dining, and
overnight accommodations click on www.bishophill.com.
Relocation Information:
Thinking of moving to Bishop Hill or starting or moving a business, click here.
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Email us with any
questions regarding
our shop, Bishop Hill,
or for reserving space
at the Bishop Hill Fine
Arts - Loft Guest Apt.
questions regarding
our shop, Bishop Hill,
or for reserving space
at the Bishop Hill Fine
Arts - Loft Guest Apt.
Bishop Hill Fine Arts Shop &
Loft Guest Apartment & Antique Shop
Loft Guest Apartment & Antique Shop