Kewanee, Illinois

At one time, Pottawatomi and Winnebago Indian tribes inhabited the rolling hills and prairie land that lies between the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers. However, this particular area in northwestern Illinois-now known as Kewanee-became a white settlement in 1832 when these tribes were pushed west past the Mississippi.

A Winnebago Indian word for prairie chicken, Kewanee was established in Henry County in the spring of 1854 when it was founded by a group of Connecticut developers. The first train rolled through Kewanee later that year, and the community's population expanded rapidly when people and businesses moved from neighboring colonies to take advantage of the rail industry. Today the area has a population of nearly 14,000.

Economy
The economy of Kewanee is primarily based on agriculture. Both grain and livestock are produced in this area of rich farmland that envelops three counties, including Henry. Perhaps little known is the fact that Kewanee has reigned as the Hog Capital of the World since 1948. At that time the town led the world in hog production. Today, Kewanee celebrates its hog heritage with an annual Hog Festival.

The Hog Festival is more than an event; it is a genuine celebration, which includes a carnival, parade, concerts, arts and crafts show, tractor pull, and fitness walk/run known as the Hog Day Stampede. The year 2003 marks the 50th anniversary of Hog Days, with no end in sight.

Leisure & Recreation
Located five miles north of Kewanee is the Johnson-Sauk Trail State Recreation Area. With beautiful terrain, a 58-acre lake, and plenty of opportunities for exploring, the park is popular year-round. Activities available at the State Park include fishing, hunting, hiking, camping, and boating with winter sports including ice-skating, cross-country skiing, and snowmobiling.

Not far from Kewanee is an area in Henry County known as Bishop Hill. Known as "Utopia on the Prairie," Bishop Hill was founded by a group of Swedish immigrants in 1846 and grew as a commercial center for trade. The small village originally built into the side of a ravine was incorporated in 1853 and prospered for several years. Today, Bishop Hill is a National Historic Landmark offering locals and visitors the opportunity to tour the colony's church, hotel, museum, and park.

Great Dane Trailers in Kewanee
Great Dane Trailers is the largest employer in Henry County, with approximately 500 people reporting to work each day. The original site of the Pines Trailer Company, the Kewanee Plant encompasses 250,000 square feet of production space. Production capacity is about 700 units per month and focuses primarily on 28-foot pup trailers.