Illinois' Stolp Island Has More Than 40 Historic Buildings Of Architectural Significance
By Melissa Mahoney|Published September 19, 2021
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Melissa Mahoney
Author
I'm an east coast girl living in a west coast world. I grew up in New England before moving to SoCal for several years. I then lived in NYC or a year before moving to AZ in 2009. I worked in the entertainment industry for many years of my adult life and have a deep love for photography, writing, and traveling around the U.S. as well as to far-flung locations around the world. Travel is my life and writing about it is a dream!
Situated on both sides of the Fox River, the city of Aurora is the second largest in the state of Illinois behind Chicago. At the point where the river drops steeply is where Aurora’s Stolp Island, an island of just 0.03 square miles, is found. Construction on the tiny island started in the mid-1800s and today, 41 of its buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places.
In 1848, a man by the name of W. Frederick Stolp purchased the island for $12.72. Later on, he deeded the land to his nephew Joseph Stolp who built a mill with partners Zaphna Lake and the McCarty brothers. Constructed in 1858, the Stolp Woolen Mill Dye House is the oldest building on the island. It was powered by the drop in the river.
The Fox River was a valuable source of power that caused industrial development in the area. However, a rivalry grew between settlements on the east and west banks of the river because of it. In time, Stolp Island became neutral territory between the two sides and the place where many of the city's public buildings were built.
After the east and west banks of the river were joined to become the city of Aurora, it was decided that the city hall would be built on Stolp Island. The city hall was constructed in 1865 with a post office.
One of the more unusual pieces of architecture on the island is the Order of the Elks building, pictured here. Constructed in 1926 in a Mayan Revival style complete with decorative details like Mayan gods and Mayan reliefs. It's one of just a handful of buildings like this in the country.
In 1928, the 22-story Leland Tower was built as a first-class hotel complete with an entertainment center. It was once the tallest building in the state outside of Chicago. Today it has been repurposed as an apartment building.
Perhaps one of the most iconic buildings on Stolp Island is the Paramount Theatre. Also known as the Paramount Arts Center, this building is a mix of Art Deco and Venetian styles and has hosted countless movies, concerts, dances, live theatrical performances, and more since its opening in 1931.
With so many historically significant buildings, Stolp Island and its 41 buildings were placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1986. It's a fascinating place to explore, especially for those who love historical architecture.
Have you visited Aurora’s Stolp Island yet? If so, what did you think of its historical buildings? Let us know in the comments! For more information on Stolp Island, visit the webpage.
If you enjoy seeing historical architecture around Illinois, you should also check out the historic houses of Galesburg.
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