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Illinois History

The Historic Village In Illinois That's Stuck In the 1800s

By Elizabeth Crozier | Published November 11, 2017

There’s a historic village in Illinois that will take you back to a time before even your grandparents were born. This ancient world is full of vintage wonders that will astound and delight kids of all ages.

Explore a reconstructed old town and take a peek back in time to what life was like without electricity, cars, or fast food. Keep scrolling for the story of how this all came together.

Independence Pioneer Village is located in Oakland. It is a slight replica of life in the 1800s and features a museum of log cabins fit for Abe Lincoln.

The cabins were purchased in the 1980s by Bob and Gary Lee. The collection began with a property bought in Tennessee and has expanded to include eight cabins today.

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After the first few were bought, neither brother knew where to keep them. An old friend and historian suggested opening Independence Pioneer Village, as Oakland was once named Independence.

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The structures were dismantled piece by piece, log by log, and marked before being reassembled in Independence village using as many of the original pieces as possible. Some had rotted away and were no longer useful.

Today, visitors enjoy tours of the grounds and cabins. Patrons learn about how these cabins were acquired as well as about the lives of those who used to inhabit them.

Each Lincoln log-style abode has a unique history behind it. Visitors will also get a look at an old-fashioned general store, a church/school, and a blacksmith shop.

Locals may even set up private events, such as weddings, and rent cabins. There are also occasional events hosted on-site by the village.

History lovers will want to put this historic village on their bucket lists. Steal a glimpse into a seemingly simpler time for a quick escape from real life to learn all about the pioneer days.

Independence Pioneer Village is located on North Walnut Street in Oakland, and you can find more information on its Facebook page or website.

If you love learning about our great state’s past, check out these 12 images of ancient Illinois farms.

Have you ever been to this historic village? Share your experiences with us below!

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