The Illinois free trader. (Ottawa, Ill.) 1840-1841, 1841-05-28
ottawa, Ill.,, Friday, May q, ISL.
Ottawa in May, Isii.


Ottawa in May, Isii.
4, ,hc time we commenced the publication OF
this paper, one year since, we referred to the To-
cation. improvements, and natural advantages Of
This place, in order that persons at a distance
might be able to form correct opinion OF tins
section of the State and the thriving condition OF
Ottawa. In order to keep pace with the times,
we feel it our duty to chronicle such improve
mrnts As may have taken place during the past
wear. and TO notice such local advantages as
promise shortly 10 be Of advantage and add much
10 the continued prosperity of this town.
The location of Ottawa may not he iamlllarIy
known to our Eastern readers, notwithstanding
its gradual improvement, despite Of the financial
crharrassmcnl5 Of the country, and its central
location and manufacturing advantages are fully
known and duly appreciated by the citizens Of
Northern Illinois. For the information of such
persons as are not aware of the precise location
of this town and its natural advantages, we will
briefly present synopsis of the same:
Ottawa is situated at the junction of the Fox
river with the Illinois, on gradual elevation OF
about TWENTY-FIVE feet above high water mark,
aud the scenery around presents almost unrivaI-
led attractions. Immediately north of the town,
an elevated tract of prairie, sklrtcd with TIMBER
which at this season of the year presents unusual
gplendor, whilst on the cast aud south flow the
beautiful witcrs of the Fox and Illinois rivers,
intcrspcfscd with delightful groups of islands
whose tall and heavy covering hangs dropping
from its parent TRUNK and kisses the SILVER sur
nco Of the sparkling stream. The town Is eighty
"'''-- "th-wcst of Chicago, and fifteen miles
cast Oh reFu' inc ''-;naling point of the Illinois
and Michigan Canal. 1t was loca,ed hy the Cana
Commissioners about eleven years since, but 60
the first seven years its growth was very slow, j.
consequence OF the very sparse settlement
country during that period, and most ~.,"' D"''-
ness being then ennil4' cot they AN S'o' " Wv
'mnoio river. We may th.'-'fp'e Saicly say tl'a'
the last five years have ahessed Tue CROWN Of ihiS
place to its ppe-nt importance, which augurs
w., Ga, the culture. II in the short space Of five
Yeas the rgphllton has increased about eleven
hundred ~ Increase may VIC not expect in
five more, wy W. frruors amt ,ttrfrg,,u Canal
will be in cSnbeff operation, and our immense
water power rendcfed useful!
The population of this place is now between
eleven and twelve hundred, composed chiefly of
omigranis from New York and the New England
states, with small proportion from Pcnnsyly Iva
MIA Ohio, Kentucky, and other western states
Within the last year there have been erected in
this place upwards of one hundred dwelling
houses, and Court House and Jail, which cost
upwards of twenty thousand dollars. and when
finished will bear comparison with any similar
buildings in the State. The Mechanics Hall is
building which is destined to be of much inn
portancc to the place, and after it is once in sue
ccssiul OPERATION will DO an institution crodtabc
to its founders and beneficial to our citizens.
There are within the limits of the town a suli-
ricnt number of Dry Goods Stores, two DRUG
Stores. five Hotels, one stove, Tin q Sheet Iron
Mandatory, one Hattcr, five Blacksmith shops,
one Clock 81 Watch Maker, one Merchant and
four Tailor shops, three Boot 81 Shoe establish
mcnts, two Cabinet Ware Manufactures, one
Chair Factory, two Carriagc and Wagon Manu-
factories, one Saddle and Harness maker, ono
Sign Painter and Paper Hanger, one Gun and
Lock maker, five Plastercrs, two Bakeries, and
number of Carpenters, House Painters, Masons
&c. OF professional men, thcrcarc sixteen Law
yers, five Physicians, and three Ministers of the
Gospel The organized religious societies are, a
Catholic, Methodist, Prcsby tcliln and Ccngrcga-
tional. A number of members OF the Protestant
Episcopal Church are in the place, but AZ yet are
without an organization or pastor a Masonic
lodge is located at this place, and is numerously
attended. An association is organized and in
iourshing condition, under the name and style
oithe "ouawa Dand," which promises much for
the future enjoyment of our citizens. At present
there are two Common Schools in operation, and
both arc literally patronilcd.
The Illinois and Michigan Canal passes along
the northern limits Of the town, and f,.sSsrlsiiy
feet wide and four feet deep, which wsSl''be nav-
gable for the ordinary claso of canal boats. COM
uloncca at Dayton, on FoS river, four mllco from
Ottawa, and Joins the nlaiu canal at ,hc north