Oquawka
In 1814, the land now known as Henderson County was part of the Military Tract, and the Village of Oquawka, now the county seat, was just another good place on the Mississippi River to land a canoe. One settler, Isaac Galland, decided that it was also suitable for trading and so in 1827 he built the areas first log cabin. Brothers Summer and Alexis Phelps and their families were the next settlers to establish homes and businesses on the site known as Yellow Banks or by its Indian name Oquawkick. In 1836, the Phelps brothers platted the town and it officially became Oquawka. We hope you`ll take a day or two or more to find out why, for over 150 years, people have found Oquawka a hospitable place to live, work and visit. Big River State Forest, a 3,000 acre forest complex located northeast of Oquawka features miles of hiking trails in the summer; snowmobile and skiing paths in the winter. The many miles of sandy fire lanes provide horse-riding trails galore. Boaters have access to the Mississippi with a long sandy beach with camping along the water available. The upper camping area has amenities such as electrical power, pavilions, and playgrounds. The Forest has the distinction of having the only remaining fire tower in Illinois. Lincoln/Sac Indian Trail & Pioneer Cemetery, this segment of the early pioneer trail was used by Abraham Lincoln during the Black Hawk Wars. The trail and cemetery were rediscovered in 1982. Delabar State Park, just north of Oquawka, the 89 acre park offers outdoor experiences for anglers, birdwatchers, hikers, campers and picnickers. More than 50 species of birds have been identified in the park. The facilities include boating access to the river, good hunting and fishing, a large pavilion for reunions and picnics, childrens play area, and shady oak camping sites. Henderson County Courthouse, was created January 1, 1841. Oquawka has been the county Seat since that time. The four large white columns and south portion of the building we see today are that of the original structure. The building (circa 1843) is the second oldest courthouse in Illinois still in continuous use. Judge Stephen Douglas presided over the first court in Oquawka. Alexis Phelps House, listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the two-story house (circa 1833) was built for Alexis Phelps. Alexis and his brother Sumner, both successful businessmen, were longstanding friends of both Lincoln and Douglas. The house has been restored by the Henderson County Historical Society. You can watch the river traffic from the high bank overlooking the Mississippi River. Oquawka Museum, the former home of Justice Schlotzhaur, an advance man for Ringling Brothers Circus, is located on north Second Street and now serves as the Villages museum. Grave of Norma Jean, Norma Jean, a 6,500 lb. elephant with the Clark and Walters Circus, was struck down by lightning when a very ominous summer thunderstorm roared into town. July 17, 1972 was Norma Jeans last show day. With permission of the State of Illinois, Norma Jean was interred on the spot where she had fallen.
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