1800's
Following the Black Hawk “War” of 1832, pioneer families began to settle in the Franklin Creek area. These settlers of European descent found the area to provide an inviting respite from the sometimes hostile prairie. Large, cool springs - said by Native Americans to be good medicine water - provided drinking water as well as early refrigeration. Hardwood forests provided construction materials, and the creek provided fish for food in addition to the water power necessary to run saw and grist mills. The deep, pleasant valleys protected by limestone and sandstone bluffs made ideal homesteads shielded from cold winter winds. The mill spring, the largest in the natural area, provided water power for the largest gristmill in Lee County, constructed in 1847. Still today, many ponds and rock outcroppings along Franklin Creek carry names given to them by pioneer families. |
1980's
Franklin Creek Conservation Area (FCCA), a non-profit charitable organization, was founded in 1981 by area citizens to protect the Franklin Creek watershed from development. Dedication services were held August 28, 1982 to officially open the State Natural Area. Although part of the area was officially designated as a State Natural Area in 1982, the IDNR did not staff the area during the first five years. During this time the FCCA committee secured donations of money and labor, along with assistance from the Franklin Grove Future Farmers of America, to construct roads, shelters, picnic tables, restrooms, drill wells, run underground electric lines, and build hiking trails. Volunteers also maintained the natural area during this period. In April of 1986, the State of Illinois (IDNR) hired a site superintendent to manage the new natural area. |
Timeline |
|
1800's |
Pioneer families made the Franklin Creek area their home. |
1847 |
The largest grist mill in Lee County was constructed. |
1981 |
FCCA, a non-profit charitable organization, was founded. |
1982 |
Dedication services were held to officially open the State Natural Area. Part of the area was officially designated as a State Natural Area. |
1986 |
IDNR hired a site superintendent to manage the area. |
1992 |
FCCA received permission from IDNR to reconstruct the historic Franklin Creek Grist Mill. |
1999 |
The mill was dedicated and FCCA received a 40-year renewable lease to manage the Mill as a visitor center. |
2006 |
The dedication of the John Husar Memorial Fishing Pier. |
2009-present |
FCCA branched out into land acquisition and restoration. Five properties totaling 151 acres were purchased and restored. |
Location |
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