Dixon History

Tom shares stories that formed Dixon, IL as we know it today.

Watch Historical Presentations

Read Articles about Dixon History

  • Stagecoach article cover with text "Dixon: The Great Stagecoach Transfer station"

    Dixon: The Great Stagecoach Transfer Station

    Dixon: The Great Stagecoach Transfer Station, 2023.

    This 130-page book, based on fresh research from local histories published over 100 years ago, reveals the surprising role of the stagecoach in the development of Northwestern Illinois in the years 1828 to 1855.

  • Street sign in front of old main street

    Colonel Brinton and Dixon's Masonic Temple

    “Great Brinton: Colonel Brinton and Dixon’s Masonic Temple,” Dixon Living Magazine, Summer 2022.

    Brinton Avenue and the Masonic Temple are well known features of modern Dixon. This article uncovers the fascinating story behind the man and his home that he gave to the local Masonic lodge.

  • Rock River with from a grassy shore with the text "Lowell Park History"

    Lowell Park History

    Lowell Park History, 2023.

    Lowell Park is the crown jewel of Dixon’s outstanding park system. This 40-page booklet reveals little-known historical details about the origin of the park and six of its most beloved features.

  • Black and white downtown with the text "Sterling Rock Falls Living" and "Last stop"

    Last Stop for the Sterling, Dixon & Eastern Electric Railway

    Sterling-Rock Falls Living Magazine, Summer 2021.

    This popular article reveals the story of the electric trolley car that offered passenger service between Dixon and Sterling from 1904 to 1925.

  • Page with article text "The man in the moon"

    How Dutch Helped Moon

    Dixon Living Magazine, Summer 2023.

    Everyone knows Ronald “Dutch” Reagan. But few realize how much he helped his big brother “Moon” reach the pinnacle of success in the media and advertising business.

  • Black and white photo of A.C. Bowers with the text "The Story Behind A.C. Bowers Field"

    The Story Behind A.C. Bowers Field

    Dixon Telegraph, Nov. 3, 2023.

    Dixon High School’s athletic field has been known as A.C. Bowers Field since 1964. This is the story of A.C. Bowers and why the school board named this field after him.

  • Black and white photo of Col. John Dement in oval frame with the text "How Col. John Dement Foiled the Dixon Stagecoach Robbery"

    How John Dement Foiled a Dixon Stagecoach Robbery

    Dixon Telegraph, Dec. 1, 2023.

    The Dement name is known throughout Dixon. One of Col. Dement’s claims to fame is the story of how he outwitted the notorious Banditti of the Prairie.

  • Photo of Della Stackhouse with the text "The 1946 Kidnapping of Della Stackhouse"

    The Kidnapping of Della Stackhouse

    3 parts, Dixon Telegraph, Dec. 15, 22, 2023, and Jan. 5, 2024.

    When first reported in December of 1946, this harrowing story about the wife of a Dixon doctor made the news throughout the U.S.

Discover more work by Dr. Tom Wadsworth

Tom is also an accomplished writer specializing in biblical studies and the garage door industry. Explore his recent articles and videos on these topics.