History
In 1833, an early pioneer by the name of John Phelps discovered an awe-inspiring forested and river-fed valley. He was so impressed that he decided to build a cabin and settle this land where the Potawatomi and Winnebago Indian tribes had lived and roamed for generations. He named the new settlement Oregon, which literally means, "River of the West."

Shortly thereafter, other pioneers with specialized talents began settling in the community and the town grew to include a blacksmith shop, a grocery store, a post office, a church, and a school.

By 1836, Oregon was not only a thriving little village, but was chosen by the General Assembly as the county seat of Ogle County. Today the seat of county government is anchored in the historic, red brick courthouse, which was built in 1892 and is listed as an Illinois Historic Site.

Surrounded by history, many significant events took place only a few short miles from the town. To the northeast is Stillman Valley. Now a delightful and peaceful little community, but in 1832 this was the site of the first Blackhawk Wars. Five miles south lies the quaint and charming village of Grand Detour. Here in 1837, John Deere revolutionized American agriculture by inventing the self-polishing steel plow. The home John Deere built in Grand Detour still stands, as does a replica of the blacksmith shop he established. In addition, the site of the archeological dig that unearthed Deere's original shop has been preserved. The John Deere Historic Site is a popular tourist attraction.

Another important historical site is now the Lorado Taft Field Campus of Northern Illinois University, an environmental education and conference center. It was at this location that noted sculptor Lorado Taft formed the Eagles' Nest Artist Colony in 1898. This strong heritage of preserving and fostering arts continues as an important aspect of life in Oregon. The tradition is carried on today through Concerts in the Park, The Fields Project, The Performing Arts Guild, and Byron Civic Theater.

For more information on Oregon and Ogle County history, visit the Oregon City Library. They have several books and collections on the history of Ogle County and a Genealogy Room maintained by the Ogle County Genealogical Society. Further information is also available at the Oregon History Musuem.

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