Erie, IL

Erie is a city located in Erie County, Illinois, United States. As of the 2010 census, the city had a population of 33,890. It is the county seat of Erie County. The city is named after General George Rogers Clark's victory over the British at the Battle of Fort Defiance on July 8, 1778.

The first European settlement in what would become Erie was made in 1818 by Jesse Fellows and his family. The Fellows settled on land that was part of a tract granted to Colonel John Kinzie by Governor William Henry Harrison. In 1825, Fellows sold his land to James Geddes and Jonathan Edwards for $1,000 each. Edwards built the first house in Erie and became its first mayor.

In 1836, Geddes sold his land to Joseph Ellicott and Elias Beman for $10,000 each. Ellicott built the first mill in Erie and became its first postmaster. Beman founded what would become known as Beman's Block (now known as Main Street). In 1841, Ellicott sold his land to George Wetherill for $15,000 and Wetherill built the first hotel in Erie (the Wetherill House).

In 1846-47, Buffalo Creek flooded several times causing extensive damage to property and businesses throughout Erie. To raise money for repairs and reconstruction efforts, a town meeting was held on May 6th of 1847 where it was decided that a new town should be formed north of Buffalo Creek called North Eastville (now known as East Aurora). This new town was incorporated on February 2nd of 1850 with Edward Dutton as its first mayor. Dutton also served as president of the Illinois State Senate from 1850-1852.

The original courthouse building in North Eastville burned down on October 25thof 1850; it was replaced by a new structure which still stands today (the current courthouse opened its doors on January 1stof 1861). In 1865-66 another major flood caused extensive damage throughout Erie; this time it was decided that all of downtown should be moved higher up onto higher ground (what is now called Main Street). This project was completed by 1870-71and led to an increase in business activity downtown due to increased foot traffic from residents who were now living above water level.(see image below)

Image courtesy Google Maps