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History is rich in the beautiful rolling prairies of this northwest central Illinois city. Knox County was established January 13, 1825, by the state legislature, and the first known settlers arrived in 1826.

The county was named in honor of Revolutionary War hero General Henry Knox, who was Secretary of War from 1785 to 1795.

Galesburg is a unique town in that it was a planned city whose purpose was fostering religious education. Knox College was the main reason for its existence. The college was granted a charter by the Illinois State Legislature in 1837, but it was not until 1841 that it opened its doors to the first freshman class. Old Main was completed in 1851 and has the distinction of being the only building still standing where a Lincoln-Douglas debate was held, the fifth and most famous of the debates.

It has historical ties to the railroad, too, with Burlington Northern Santa Fe (Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy) coming to the City in 1854.

Funding for the linking of the Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy (CB & Q) Railroad came from a Galesburg investor, beginning a rail history that still lives today. The CB & Q later merged with other railroads to form what is now Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad. Because of that Galesburg investor’s commitment, Galesburg has seven main rail lines coming in and out of the City. Galesburg still prides itself in its railroad history, with several museums and a festival devoted solely to the railroad. During more than 150 years, Galesburg has grown and prospered through wise business and civil leadership. Today, the city offers plentiful housing, excellent schools and colleges, and a solid economic base that has attracted national corporations and a productive, reliable labor force.

During more than 150 years, Galesburg has grown and prospered through wise business and civic leadership. Today, the city offers plentiful housing, excellent schools and colleges, and a solid economic base that has attracted national corporations and a productive, reliable labor force.

Galesburg has served as the birthplace and/or home of many famous individuals. Poet Carl Sandburg was born here in 1878 and is buried at his birthplace in Galesburg (pictured above). Galesburg also serves as the birthplace of Charles Walgreens, the founder of Walgreens, professional golfer Todd Hamilton, painter Dorthea Tanning, and George Washington Gale Ferris, Jr., the inventor of the Ferris Wheel. 40th President Ronald Reagan and "Superman" actor George Reeves also lived in Galesburg during part of their youth.