Bishop Hill A National Historic Landmark

Bishop Hill’s founders settled on this rich Illinois farmland near the Edwards River in 1846. Led by Eric Janson, the immigrants sailed from Sweden to New York, made their way to Chicago by the Great Lakes, and walked the last 160 miles to Bishop Hill. This sturdy determined group sought religious freedom, an ideal community life, and greater prosperity in the New World.

After the deprivations of their first winter, this agrarian communal society grew and prospered. Their spiritual life flourished until 1850 when their leader, Janson, was murdered. At that time, the governing of the Colony was turned over to a board of trustees. By 1861 with dissension among the trustees, accusations of financial mismanagement, and lessening of religious unity the Bishop Hill Colony was dissolved.

In the 15-year history of this religious collective, over a thousand immigrants journeyed from Sweden to join the Colony. It is acknowledged that the Bishop Hill Colony was one of the most significant forces in the later immigration of millions of Swedes and other Scandinavians to the United States

The Colony is still evident in Bishop Hill today in the form of historic buildings and artifacts as well as in its people, many who descend from those original settlers.

Included among the artifacts on exhibit is the remarkable painted record of Colony life by Olof Krans. Born in Sweden in 1838, Krans came to the Bishop Hill Colony with his family in 1850. By trade a house painter, he began in later life to paint his remembrances of Bishop Hill Colony life. He is now recognized as one of America’s foremost folk artists. A collection of his work is on display in the Bishop Hill Museum at the south edge of the village.

Today the long years of work by area residents, local organizations and the Sate of Illinois to preserve Bishop Hill’s heritage are being rewarded. Many Colony buildings as well as those built following the Colony period are open to the public and are occupied by museums, shops, craftsmen, and restaurants.

A variety of programs and activities are scheduled throughout the year to help make your visit even more interesting, educational, and enjoyable. Concerts, exhibits, and festivals reflect Bishop Hill’s Swedish heritage and the 19th century American culture that the settlers adopted.

A National Historic Landmark, a local center for crafts, a tranquil village, a fun place to bring family and friends, Bishop Hill is all those things and more! We invite you to discover all the possibilities that Bishop Hill offers and discover why you will want to visit us again!

Bishop Hill Arts Council

Bishop Hill A National Historic Landmark

Bishop Hill
Arts Council