Intentional communities added much flavor to 19th century Illinois. Isolation—self-imposed by religious beliefs, the vastness of the prairie, or both—by necessity shaped thought and action toward self-reliance. A few of these communities prospered and grew, as did the Mormon community at Nauvoo. Some faded into mere postscripts of county histories. But others—while not realizing the visions of their founders—left strong roots and are celebrated yet today. Such is the Colony of Bishop Hill that was founded by Swedish immigrants in 1846, who purposefully built a village, most of which still stands today.
As with many 19th-century intentional communities, religion was the common thread among these immigrants from Helsingland, Soderala, and other areas in Sweden. Their path to salvation centered on daily reading of the Bible. They were known as the “Readers” or Läsare, because they met in private homes to read their Bibles. Their leader, Eric Janson, believed that the Bible was supreme. His followers in Sweden were estimated at 4,000. The Lutheran Church of Sweden, supported by the state, did not tolerate their faith. Janson and his followers sought a place where they could worship unfettered, and where their worldly possessions were to be shared for the common good. This communal colony, their “New Jerusalem,” was Bishop Hill.
Travel across the ocean at that time was arduous, lasting several months. Passage fare was the equivalent of $17.50—one way. Illness took its toll, beginning with the ocean voyage and continuing in Bishop Hill for several years. The Jansonists arrived first in Manhattan, New York, where they met two brothers, Jonas and Olof Hedstrom, both Methodist ministers. It was to Victoria, Illinois that the Hedstroms recommended the Jansonists go. The colonists then traveled through the Erie Canal, St. Lawrence Seaway, and the Great Lakes, finally landing in Chicago. They then walked 165 miles, with their possessions, to western Illinois where they settled in Henry County, about 10 miles north of Victoria.
This first large group of Jansonists arrived at what would become Bishop Hill in September 1846. By the beginning of that first winter, their numbers totaled about 400, and eventually would reach 1,000 at the colony’s peak. Eric Janson originally purchased 10 acres, and as the years progressed, the settlement grew to about 12,000 acres. Spurred by curiosity among people in Sweden, Charles Wilson, who had settled in St. Louis in the 1840s, paid a visit to the colony in 1854. He had expected to find a collection of small cabins spread about and was truly surprised by what he saw: “The Janssonist City is not, as I had first thought, a collection of huts spread here and there. They live in two or three story houses of brick, well kept and pleasant. Their tables are not loaded with unnecessary items, but their food is good and in abundance. I ate dinner with them in their large dining hall . . . . The Colony property consists of more than 9,000 tunnland (acres), of which 900 are forested, 3,000 cultivated land, and the rest uncultivated pasture. The cultivated area is planted as follows: somewhat over 1,000 corn, 500 in fall or winter wheat, 300 in Swedish barley and oats, 100 in potatoes and other root vegetables and fruits, melons . . . .
“They own around 700 animals, of which (sic) 45 pair of oxen, 200 dairy cows, the remainder calves. At present the herd grows by about 200 calves each year. The animals are well cared for. There are quantities of barns erected. In a large stall they keep 85 great beautiful horses, worth about $125 each. They also own 1,000 hogs, turkeys, geese, and poultry in great quantities. In recent years they have begun with sheep, and raise enough for their own needs. Butter and cheese is produced also just for their own needs. Of these foods, large quantities stay within the Colony.”
The colonists maintained a lively trade with the Shakers of Pleasant Hill, Kentucky. In the very early days, they visited and learned much from the Shakers, not only with regard to building architecture, but also with broom making and cattle raising. In the early 1850s, the colonists traveled to Kentucky and drove cattle back to Bishop Hill.
Before leaving Sweden, they had sought carpenters, tinsmiths, blacksmiths, field hands, tanners, and women who knew spinning and weaving. The tradesmen of the colony were able to make nearly any tool they desired, and the ladies were able to make rag rugs and other textiles, many of which were shipped to the East Coast along with the men’s brooms. The colonists worked hard and were respected in the surrounding area for their industriousness and self-reliance, and their descendents in the area carry on the tradition today. “I saw them at work and could not fail to admire their work and situation. They appeared to be satisfied and happy, and work seemed to be their greatest joy,” Charles Wilson wrote. “They had all they desired; food, clothing etc. But someone thinks they have no money? They don’t need it. I asked several among them if they did not miss money; but all answered with one voice, that it is much better without it, which is also my conviction.”
The colony lasted only 15 years; its financial troubles began in 1857. There was a nationwide depression at the time, and the colony struggled until its dissolution in 1861. The Jansonist religion quickly died out as well; Eric Janson had died in 1850.
On the eve of the Civil War, it was decided to dissolve the colony. Today, some of the descendants of the original Jansonists live within several miles of Bishop Hill, and many of the colony’s surnames can still be found in the local community. It is not uncommon to find Andersons, Johnsons, and Olsons living nearby. Mike Wendel is the administrator of the Bishop Hill Heritage Association.
To Visit Bishop Hill . . . Bishop Hill is located between Galesburg and Kewanee, just north of Route 34. The pre-Civil War village has two excellent Swedish-American restaurants and a wonderful local restaurant, five museums, 15 gift shops, a bakery, an active craftsmen program, and more. Some facilities are not open year-round, so call ahead for dates and hours. For visiting hours to Bishop Hill, call (309) 927-3345 or (309) 927-3899. Call (309) 927-3528 for visiting hours to the Henry County Historical Museum.
To learn more about Bishop Hill’s history and present-day activities, please see the Web sites: http://www.bishophill.com/ and http://www.bishophillartscouncil.com/.
NOTE: If anyone reprints this article, credit must be given as such: "Printed with permission of the Illinois Steward magazine."
Submitted by Mike Wendel, administrator of the Bishop Hill Heritage Association
June 2009
