The Prettiest Town
Between Chicago & Danville
on the old Dixie Highway
the town was is located on the old Hubbard Trail which later became Illinois Route 1 better
known as the Dixie Highway.
A farming community, Rossville is also located on the old Chicago and Eastern Railroad
whose turn of the century depot still stands as a railroad museum. Rossville was also
home to the Elgin, Joliet and Chicago Railroad Roundhouse which still stands just outside
of town.
The Rossvile Historical Society located in the old Township Building on West Attica Street
is home to a wonderful collection of Rossville-Ross Township artifacts and a great place
to spend a Saturday or Tuesday afternoon. It is also the place to stop and do research
on any Rossville connections you might have.
Rossville is pretty from what ever direction you come in from, but the homes on South and
North Chicago Streets are magnificent. Christman Park with picnic tables, tall shad
trees,and cookout facilities is a great place to have a picnic or just walk along the banks
of the North Fork of the Vermilion River.
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is same view in 1920.
made in the 1880's. On right is the oldest known image
of the church, circa 1869 reflecting its original English
style. The original one room log school house can be
also seen in this drawing.
dedicated group of Rossville women in 1959 during Rossville's Centennial. The well known landmark is located just a few
miles south of Rossville along the North Fork of the Vermilion River on Illinois Route 1 (The Huibbard Trail and later
Dixie Highway). One of the last surviving mile markers for the old State Road may be found just west of the church.
The pioneer church was built of bricks donated by Abraham Mann. The original design of the building was in the style of
an English church. The current design dates from the improvements made in 1889.
Today, the church is owned by the Vermilion County Museum Association and is used primarily for weddings.
It is rich in history, particularly with strong connections to Abraham Lincoln, who visited the town as
a circuit lawyer. The Vermilion County Museum is a great place to visit and see where Lincoln gave a
short speech in 1858. Also in town is the Vermilion County Veterans Museum, great camping at
nearby Kickapoo State Park and lots of outdoor recreation and history at Bunker Hill in Kennekuk
Cove. Danville is proud of its connections to the entertainment industry, including Bobbie Short, Dick
and Jerry Van Dyke, Donald O'Connor and Gene Hackman. The Fischer Theatre, the last of the great
movie houses in the city, is currently being restored as a performing arts theater. For more visitor
information visit the Danville Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Six miles north of Rossville is Hoopeston home to the National Sweetcorn Festival. Hoopeston is also
home to the magnificently restored Lorraine Theater, which shows current films. For more
Hoopeston and North Vermilion happings visit Just The Facts.
Home of the Bobcats
was located behind the present Grade School.
It burned in 1946.
Rossville Historical Society.
the right were destroyed in the February 2004 fire.
Hall built in 1903. It still stands on North
Chicago Street.
years.
of these buildings are still standing.
JOIN THE ROSSVILLE COMMUNITY
ORGANIZATION.
