The Hancock-Henderson Quill, Inc.
The Henderson County Historical Society took advantage of a beautiful Saturday to clean up the Alexis Phelps House in Oquawka.
The New England-style frame structure was built in 1832 or 1833, and is considered the first of its kind in western Illinois.
Alexis Phelps joined his brothers, Stephen Sumner Phelps and William Phelps, in the late 1820s or early 1830s in the area known as Yellow Banks, now Oquawka, after spending a few years in the lead mines of Galena.
Sumner, nicknamed “Hawkeye” by Sauk-Fox chiefs Tama and Keokuk, and William had established a substantial fur trading business with trading posts in present-day New Boston, Oquawka, and Farmington, Iowa.
The economy of early Henderson County shifted rapidly after the Black Hawk War. With Native Americans largely removed from the area, settlers arrived in western Illinois with plows, transforming the region.
As these changes swept through, Alexis and his brothers played key roles in the founding of Oquawka and Henderson County. Many early Illinois politicians, including Stephen Douglas, visited the Phelps home on the banks of the Mississippi River.
In the 1980s, the Henderson County Historical Society refurbished the Phelps house, and in April 1982, the structure was added to the National Register of Historic Places.
Today, visitors can experience early Henderson County history at the Alexis Phelps House. Its rooms are decorated with period pieces and artifacts donated by local residents.
Also on the property is the “Pioneer Cabin,” originally located near present-day West Central High School. Built by some of the area’s first settlers in the late 1820s, it offers additional insight into the region’s early history.
The Alexis Phelps House and Pioneer Cabin will be open to the public on Friday and Saturday, July 4 and 5; Saturday, August 2; and Saturday, September 27.
Those present on Saturday to clear dust and cobwebs and prepare the grounds for visitors were Trish Alexander, Barbara Devore, Wade Harmon, Dale Oaks, Drew Postle, Edith Ray, Mary Reed, Marilyn Simmons, Janet Stubbs, Melinda Whiteman, and Vince Whiteman.
Maintaining local history in presentable condition requires significant effort, and the Henderson County Historical Society deeply appreciates all those who care enough about our community’s history to help preserve and share it with future generations.
If you share the desire to preserve the history of our small corner of Illinois, stay tuned for future announcements from the Historical Society in upcoming editions of The Quill.
There is much to be done, as many historic milestones will be celebrated in the years ahead.