Paxton History Tour Sites
Thank you for your interest in Paxton's rich history. This page is maintained by the Paxton Chamber of Commerce. To learn more about the 24 selected historic sites around our community, you can either browse this website or preferably visit the site in person and, using the camera on your phone, scan the QR code, which will be displayed at most sites. Each QR code link will bring up a brief history of the site and several pictures. Our goal is to continue to improve this project by adding more historic sites, pictures and information.
Almost all of the QR codes are up around Paxton now!
See map below for locations of QR Codes
Augustana College was located in Paxton for
12 years.
Augustana College 1863-1875
In 1863, Rev. Hasselquist, President of the Augustana Synod, lobbied for the Augustana College to relocate. Hasselquist believed that moving the Seminary to a rural area populated primarily by Scandinavians would be in the best interest of the growing school. Plus, the Illinois Central Railroad promised land if the school relocated. The Seminary moved from Chicago 100 miles southwest, to Paxton, and Hasselquist became the school’s second president.
Craving their own identity, the Seminary’s Norwegian leaders made the decision to separate from the Swedes. In 1870, the Norwegian Augustana Synod was founded and later built a school at Sioux Falls, South Dakota.
Paxton proved to be too near the outer limits of Swedish settlements. In 1875, Augustana Seminary moved from Paxton to Rock Island, where it has remained since.
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