August 21, 2025

Bureau County

Founded in 1837, with roots even deeper than the American republic, Bureau County’s rich prairie lands birthed generations of settlers who believed in hard work, self-reliance, and community—a tradition Connor honors and fights to preserve.

 

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Bureau County

Recent Local News Highlights

  • Courthouse Modernization Starts September
    The Bureau County Courthouse is scheduled for interior updates and elevator improvements starting this fall. Shaw Local

  • Ag Literacy Grant
    Princeton Christian Academy received a $1,000 literacy grant from the Bureau County Farm Bureau Foundation, bolstering agricultural education. Shaw Local

  • Bridge Reconstruction
    IDOT is rebuilding a bridge on Interstate 180—a key infrastructure project highlighting regional investment. Shaw Local

  • Spring Trout Fishing Season Opens
    A seasonal highlight for anglers—trout fishing season began April 5 in multiple Bureau County locations. Shaw Local

  • Fire Rescue Recognition
    A Bureau County sheriff’s deputy was honored for life-saving action during a traffic crash—an example of dedicated local service. Shaw Local

  • Tourism Guide Released
    The 2024 Bureau County Tourism Guide is now available both digitally and in print across county towns. bureaucounty-il.gov

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"Abraham Lincoln was here"

Yes, Abraham Lincoln visited Bureau County, Illinois, including Princeton, in 1854, where he gave a well-attended speech on the Fourth of July. Lincoln also had interactions with Bureau County citizens in an official capacity, as shown in correspondence between them and Edward D. Baker in 1849, suggesting ongoing connections with the area.

  • Date: Fourth of July, 1854.
  • Location: Princeton, Bureau County, Illinois.
  • Event: Lincoln delivered a speech to a large crowd in Bryant Woods.
  • Context: Princeton was a growing town at the time and a stop on the Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy Railroad.
 

Bureau County stands as a living testament to Illinois’ history and its enduring promise for the future. From the abolitionist courage symbolized in the Owen Lovejoy Homestead to the perseverance remembered at the Cherry Mine Disaster memorial, this county embodies the values of sacrifice, justice, and resilience. Its iconic Red Covered Bridge, built in 1863, continues to carry travelers across the same prairies that once sustained generations of hardworking families. Yet Bureau County is not just about the past—it is about building tomorrow. The Bureau County Fair, Homestead Festival, and community heritage events bring neighbors together, proving that unity and civic pride are still alive in our heartland. For leaders like Connor Vlakancic, Bureau County represents what government should protect: the dignity of tradition, the strength of community, and the promise of progress for every citizen. In the spirit of Lincoln, Bureau County reminds us that the best of Illinois begins with the people who call it home.

Historic Landmarks & Cultural Attractions

Red Covered Bridge (“Captain Swift Covered Bridge”)
Built in 1863, this rustic gem is just one of five remaining covered bridges in Illinois and remains open to traffic. Nearby, a replica built in 2006 pays homage to the original design using 19th-century techniques.

Owen Lovejoy Homestead
Once a key station on the Underground Railroad, this historic home of the abolitionist Owen Lovejoy includes a secret hideaway used by escaped slaves. Open to the public on weekends from May through September; group tours available by appointment.

Bureau County History Center & Museum
Housed in two 19th-century homes (the Greek Revival Newell-Bryant House from 1853 and Clark-Norris House circa 1900), the museum spans four floors featuring local artifacts: genealogy, pioneers, Civil War memorabilia, and Native American history, including the H.W. Immke and Bill Lamb photography collections.

National Register of Historic Places
Bureau County boasts 19 entries on the National Register, including sites like Allen School, historic churches, bridges, and farms—preserving the architectural and social legacy of the region

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