| Fulton History |
|
Originally called Baker's Ferry after the first settler in 1835, the town's name was soon changed to Fulton in honor of the famed inventor. During the steamboating days, Fulton was a transfer and warehouse port between the upper and the lower reaches of the Mississippi River. Lumbering was also big part of Fulton's past and huge log rafts were floated from northern forests to sawmills in the area. Fulton, situated on a narrow spot on the river, was a prime crossing to westward migration and for many years ferries ran between the Illinois and Iowa banks.
 Fulton drew many nationalities of people but those from the Netherlands were especially drawn to it because of it's position on the Mississippi and soon many Dutch families were living in the area. In 1965, the Spring thaw brought a record volume of water down the Mississippi River and, entirely surrounded by flood waters, Fulton becam a temporary island. An extensive levee now protects Fulton from future floods and not only offers a popular biking and hiking trail but reminds one of the dikes in the Netherlands.
Views of the river are accessible for the physically challenged fron viewing vistas at the West end of 10th Avenue. Construction of an authentic Dutch Windmill, at this same location, began in 1999 with completion in Spring of 2000.
More photos:
   
|
Fulton (Martin House) Museum
The Fulton Historical Society is located in this Civil War era home donated to the City by Leonard and Maxine Martin.
The Society is responsible for the operation of the home as a repository of information and materials relevant to the history of the City of Fulton and its inhabitants.
In addition, the Society wishes to preserve the heritage of the community and provide educati ...
Read more...
|
Fulton's Mormon Connection
Wife of Joseph Smith, founder of Mormonism.
In Fulton, Illinois September 18, 1846 to Spring 1847 Age 42.
Docked at End of Cherry Street (10th Avenue — near windmill)
Rented Apartment NE Corner of Base & Wall Street (12th Avenue & 4th Street)
Emma Hale Smith came to Fulton, Illinois, in the fall of 1846 because she feared for the safety of her family. Emma’s husband, Joseph Smith, founder ...
Read more...
|
Fulton's Ronald Reagan Connection
Ronald Reagan’s Maternal Grandparents
Mary Anne Elsey Wilson was born in England and immigrated to the US to
work as a domestic servant. Thomas Wilson was born April 28, 1844, in
Whiteside County. Thomas and Mary Anne were married on January 25,
1866, in Morrison, Illinois, and had the following children: Emily,
John, Jennie, Alexander, George, Mary, and Nellie Clyde. In the 1900 US
Census, Mary Wilson li ...
Read more...
|
Glimpses of Fulton
Fulton Envelope - First Settler John Baker 1835 and Dr. Enno Musk 1938
The people and events of Fulton's history step from newspapers, books, and diaries to the Internet via local historian Nancy Kolk's blog.
"The City of Fulton is beautifully situated on the Narrows of the Mississippi River...The general healthfulness of the place is a matter never controverted, and is account ...
Read more...
|
|
|
|
