Dixon - 61021

As early as 1828, a French and Indian half-breed named Ogee built a cabin on the present site of Dixon and estab- lished a ferry. In 1830, John Dixon, from whom the city takes its name, purchased Ogee’s claim and interest in the ferry and settled here with his family. Hostilities and confrontations with the white settlers from Black Hawk and his followers turned Dixon’s Ferry into a major military encampment.

In 1845 an act was passed in the State Legislature for the incorporation of the Dixon Dam and Bridge Company for the erection of a toll bridge and a “good and sufficient dam across the Rock River.” The original five-foot high and 700 foot long dam was built with wood and stone materials. Through the years and continual repair and improvement, the dam supplied power for the area, including several mills.

Info-source: www.leecountyhistory.com For emergencies dial 911.