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Our Communities 
Bald Bluff
A bluff rises 300 feet above the Mississippi River, affording Native Americans and pioneers a look-out point. It is regarded as one of the highest points in the county.
Biggsville
If you listen closely as you stroll the grounds at the old ivy covered stone South Henderson Church, built in 1855, and Cemetery near Biggsville, Illinois, you just might hear the barking of military commands in the wind. There are, after all, area veterans of the American Revolution, War of 1812 and the Civil War who have found their final resting places here. Daniel Boone’s Granddaughter, Elizabeth Robbin, is also buried in the cemetery. The grave is plainly marked. The graves of three Veterans of the Revolutionary War are also easily located.
And while you can still attend an occasional church service, wedding or funeral service here, you’re more likely to hear someone yelling “Fore!” than “Fire!” these days. That’s because the Biggsville community serves as home to Hend-Co Hills Golf Club. The acreage, with its meticulously manicured greens, also affords visitors a camping area.
This village, with a population of 350, is situated along U.S. 34, midway between Monmouth, Illinois, and Burlington, Iowa. It was settled in 1854 and named for grain mill operator John Biggs, who is buried in nearby Cumberland Cemetery, northwest of town.
A popular stop on the annual Henderson County Heritage Trail, Biggsville provides a diverse offering of activities during this event, always held on the final full weekend each September. Church dinners, a pancake breakfast, an open house at the county library facility, and a parade are all regularly scheduled events. The town’s old-time jail stands near the wooden bridge spanning the CB&Q Railroad.
Along with the South Henderson Church and Cemetery, the Cedar-Oak School is a fascinating step back into another time period. This one-room unrestored 1891 schoolhouse hosts a harvest festival that includes hayrack rides, working draft horse demonstrations and antique tractors in action. The school is located 3 miles north of Biggsville on Highway 94 and 2 miles west on County Road 1825.
The community is served by the United Presbyterian and United Methodist Churches. With the re-opening of the Lynn Hotel, overnight lodging is now available.
Carman
Settled in 1842, Carman was platted by Joseph Carman in 1870. The unincorporated village`s attraction remains the same today as it was more than 100 years ago - its close proximity to the Mississippi River. The village attracted a number of businesses in the late 19th century as the nearby railroad prospered. A hotel, Model T garage, and five blacksmith shops once conducted business in this village that owed much of its growth to the lumber and fishing industries.
When the nearby settlement of Shokokon began to decline, many of its residents and businesses decided to relocate to Carman.
In 1875, one year before General George Custer met his fate at the Battle of Little Bighorn, the village of Carman was busy constructing its Methodist Church. The congregation celebrated the church`s 125th anniversary in August 2000.
But if you don`t need any blacksmithing done or the flywheel replaced on you Model T, don`t worry. Some things never change. Carman and Shokokon remain close to the Mississippi River and provide convenient access for those who enjoy boating, fishing, and other water-related activities.
Today, the unincorporated village of Carman has a population of 60. Carman is located 15 minutes southeast of Burlington, Iowa.
Dallas City
Also on the Heritage Trail, just five miles south of Lomax, is Dallas City. Dallas City is uniquely situated in both Henderson and Hancock Counties. Experience the grandeur and opulence of the formidable Burg House, once home to the L. Burg family, manufacturers of “Fine Carriages and Vehicles” around 1910. And the venerable old Dallas City High School building, often referred to affectionately as “the Castle” indicates the community’s appreciation and eye for distinctive architecture was more than a fluke. Other sites worth the time to visit while in Dallas City include “Lincoln Rock,” the public park. Lookout Point is located along highway 96 and is exactly midway between Dallas City and Lomax. Often touted as the highest point in Henderson County, Lookout Point affords a unique glimpse across the Mississippi River to the rich prairie and farmland of southeastern Iowa.
Gladstone
Saddle up your horses and head for the village of Gladstone! While circuit rider Peter Cartwright may have followed this advice a century and a half ago when visiting the Methodist Church here, you may want to simply load up the family van and come check out this neat little Henderson County community. Country artist Hal Ketchum`s "Small Town Saturday Night" might well have been written about this village of 300. But don`t let its size deceive you. Gladstone and the community that surrounds it offer much to experience and see.
Originally called Sagetown, the village of Gladstone was laid out in the mid-19th century. Its Methodist Church, constructed in 1867, was often visited by circuit rider Peter Cartwright.
Lock and Dam 18,located on the scenic Mississippi River, just off the Great River Road, was constructed in 1934 to provide a river channel for commercial barge traffic. The dam and water area are favorite walleye fishing spots. In winter, it affords an observation area for watching bald eagles.
The Henderson County Conservation Area Located to the south of Gladstone, the area is a popular spot for camping and fishing. The 87-acre site includes Gladstone Lake, a 27-acre lake with 1.5 miles of shoreline.
Henderson Covered Bridge to the north of Gladstone and along Route 164, is a post Civil War construction that offers a glimpse into transportation modes from another period in time. The bridge is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Gulfport
You might miss it if you blink, but Gulfport is the gateway to Henderson County if you travel east across the Great River Bridge and along U.S. 34 from Iowa. At the same time, you`ve heard those sayings about the grass being greener on the other side, and about great things coming in small packages.
What the village of Gulfport is perhaps best known for is what it offers in the way of adult entertainment: its sizzling clubs and nightlife that seems to never end. With several clubs all within close proximity, you`re sure to find one that fits your definition of a night on the town.
Gulfport is also an annual scheduled stop on the Henderson County Heritage Trail, the last full weekend of every September, offering the opportunity to shop yard sales village wide. Yet another popular annual event is the benefit fish and chicken fry held the last Sunday in August to raise funds for the village`s fire and ambulance services. Besides a ton of good food, patrons enjoy a parade, raffle, games, bathtub races and local entertainment. And all for a good cause.
Gulfport lies along U.S. 34 directly across the Mississippi River from Burlington, IA.
Lomax
If you had lived in this village in the southern reaches of Henderson County just after the dawn of the 20th century, you wouldn`t have had to wonder what those daring young men in their flying machines looked like. You`d have had a better than average change of seeing them firsthand. That`s because the village of Lomax, platted in 1882 along the Santa Fe Railroad, was a bustling center of industry with its modern airplane factory, founded in 1910. Chances are the Red Baron never vacationed here.
But that`s the Baron`s loss because Lomax knows how to have a good time, and its citizens know how to do it for a good cause. The fire department holds a pancake supper in March; the local Ducks Unlimited chapter, a dinner in April; and the ambulance service, a chicken dinner in May. The Nazarene church hosts a sing-a-thon to benefit Cystic Fibrosis in September as well.
But wait. There`s more. The community of Lomax takes full advantage of its location in the county as a regular stop along the Henderson County Heritage Trail the last full weekend of each September. Lomax offers a plethora of fun and activities in the form of arts and crafts, historical displays, yard sales, food venders, a parade and a street dance. Take your pick or enjoy it all.
Lookout Point is located along highway 96 and is exactly midway between Lomax and Dallas City. Often touted as the highest point in Henderson County, Lookout Point affords a unique glimpse across the Mississippi River to the rich prairie and farmland of southeastern Iowa.
Media
In the summer of 1887, a farmer, Nathan Wever, platted a market town on his land. Later that year an elaborate ceremony took place that gave the community its name. The two halves of the Santa Fe Railroad, one from Kansas City, the other from Chicago, were linked together at the highest point (some 675 feet above sea level) between the Mississippi River and Lake Michigan. The new town was called Media, or halfway point, instead of Wever.
In the 1890`s oil was discovered nearby, and it was predicted that Media would soon become a metropolis with paved streets and factories. It never happened. Media did become an optimistic forward-looking town and the sponsor of the earliest efforts at higher education in the county, Wever Academy, Media also is the home of Francis Davidson, the inventor of the monarch tractor engine.
Find some time to take a walk around town or drive a mile east to view the historic trestle bridge or a couple of miles west to visit the stone memorial overlooking the Walnut Grove Cemetery. And don`t forget to make Media one of your stops during the Henderson County Heritage Trail Weekend, the last full weekend in September.
Santa Fe Railroad Trestle, erected in 1882 on the Santa Fe mainline, this is a unique structure for the Midwest. With a span of 1,000 ft. plus and 6 stories high, it testifies to the steel girder construction skills of that era. The U.S. Army provided top security for the trestle during WWII. This mainline remains in full service today. It is located 1 mile east of Media on the county blacktop (Smithshire Road).
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.
For more information website: http://www.oquawka.com/
Raritan
Raritan, the city on the plain; Raritan, the village at the end of the West; Raritan, the biggest little town in the U.S.- these were just some of the phrases used to describe this rural community after its founding in 1856. Since many of the settlers came from New Jersey towns located along the Raritan River, it was only natural for them to name their new community after the land they left behind.
Although the Village is still located on a plain between the two forks of Honey Creek, residents realize that it is neither a city nor on the frontier but they still believe that it`s the best place in the world to call home. To get to town, you have four choices-the Raritan Road--go west 8 miles off US 67 or 4 miles east from Ill 94 or 3 miles south of Ill 116 or, if you`re adventurous, head north off Ill 9 until you get to the Raritan Road. Any way you get here, you`ll find that you`ll receive a warm welcome.
Henderson County Museum, the museum depicts rural lifestyles during the early 1900`s. The three building complex features schoolrooms, farm kitchens, wearing apparel, and many farm implements of the day, some of which are very rare. The museum was founded by the Henderson County Historical Society in 1976.
Raritan Reformed Church, with its inspirational spire and large wooden columns, the church is a striking example of mid-nineteenth century architecture.
Raritan Opera House, the Opera House, built in 1902, remains the center of the community`s activities.
Rozetta
The first settler in Rozetta Township was Captain William Beaty and his family who came from Virginia and settled here in May of 1830. During the Black Hawk War which began in 1831, Mr. Beaty moved his family to Pence’s Fort on the nearby Henderson River, and remained there until the close of the war.
There are no longer any villages in Rozetta Township. Instead, it is made up of fertile farm land and forested areas prized for hunting.
The only church remaining in Rozetta Township is the Rozetta Baptist Church which was founded in 1837. Former churches that are now closed are: Reed Methodist, Smith Creek Christian, Episcopal, Cumberland Presbyterian, Fall Creek Methodist and the Smith Creek United Presbyterian.. Mary Heddin Mills who was a nurse in the Revolutionary War is buried in the Stockton Family Cemetery.
Rozetta Township is now part of West Central School District #235. Former one room schools that are now closed are: Liberty, Hazel Dell, Science Hill, Aurora, Maple Grove, Cedar Oak and Cedar Ridge.
Stronghurst
In 1887 the Chicago, Santa Fe and California Railway Company built a line from Kansas City to Chicago through Henderson County establishing several towns, one of which was Stronghurst. Known as the "Magic City," the town arose out of nothing and grew quickly as people wanted to live in a town where the railroad stopped. Commercial endeavors skyrocketed-three grocery stores, a hat shop, a clothing store, a barber, a blacksmith/machinist, two liveries, a lumberyard, a meat market, a shoemaker, a laundry, a drug store, a photography studio, two hardware stores, a furniture store/ undertaker, restaurants, a harness shop, a blacksmith and wagon shop, a jewelry store, three doctors offices, a paint shop, a tin shop, a carpenters shop, implement dealers, a grain elevator, two hotels, two banks, a theater, an opera house, a half-mile racetrack, a city park, a baseball diamond, a drayage service, ice delivery business and a stockyard that handles more stock than any other point between Kansas City and Chicago. In 1918 the Hereford Association Pavilion was built and was the site many top quality livestock sales until it burned in 1923.
As much a manufacturing town as it was a farming village, Stronghurst boasted several creameries, a novelty and envelope factory, a tank factory, a windmill factory, three cigar factories, a brickyard and a canning factory that remained in operation until 1933. In 1896 an electric company offered service from 7 to 10 pm each evening warning its customers by flickering the lights when the power would be shut off.
In 1903 Stronghurst made an attempt to remove the county seat to its location. Plans were drawn for an elaborate Victorian two story building, but at the November election the proposition failed by 121 votes.
Construction of State Highway 94 began in 1924 and was given permission to pass through the village in 1925.
Culturally, Stronghurst was noted for the yearly Chatauqua (a caravan of lecturers, artists, musicians, and talent from other countries). Local residents eagerly took part in plays and musicals held at the Opera House. Each year in the village park the IOOF sponsored a huge picnic featuring a carnival with booths, rides, musicians, skits, acrobats, balloon ascension and lectures. For children, this was the highlight of the year.
Today, for one week in July in Stronghurst the Henderson County Fair offers county residents a chance to compete in 4-H and Open Classes in many categories as well as enjoy carnival rides. In September Stronghurst hosts the Old Tyme Tractor Show where old farm machinery, tractors and engines are the star attractions.
Stronghurst is located along Illinois Highway 94. It is 70 miles south of the Quad Cities and 20 miles east of Burlington, Iowa. The village is home to four churches, West Central Middle School, Oaklane Nursing and Rehab(a 60 bed nursing and rehab facility), The Henderson County Farm Bureau offices, Henderson County Highway Department, three insurance agencies, the USDA Farm Service Agency/Soil Conservation office/Social Security branch office, an implement dealer, a lumberyard, a funeral home, a tire service, an interior decorator, a law office, a health clinic with a doctor and dentist, a chiropractor, a newspaper, a furniture, television and appliance store, cold storage locker, two banks, Farm Credit branch office, University of Illinois Extension Office, auto repair shop, four beauty shops, a grocery with a deli, a flower shop, a TV sales and repair shop, collision center, a vet clinic, two building contractors, a plumber, a recycling center, a daycare/preschool, two real estate offices, farm supply/convenience store, two restaurants and oh, yes...the Santa Fe Burlington Northern Railroad still runs through the heart of town.
Terre Haute
Named by early settlers (Genung family) for Terre Haute, Indiana, from whence they immigrated. Methodist Episcopalian Church (still in use) dedicated in 1854.
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