Our latest permanent exhibit, in the form of a large diorama, details the roots that took hold to establish one of Illinois most beautiful riverfront towns. The story of early Dixon, is told through a scale-model representation of the downtown as it appeared in 1846 along with narrative placards telling stories of the earliest Dixon settlers.
The Winnebego Tribe, with whom John Dixon was at all times on terms of friendship, called him “Nada-chu-ra-sah” meaning “Head-hair-white.” The name was then contracted to “Nachusa.”
In 1837 the Dixon Hotel Company organized to build the Nachusa House. Completed in 1853, the Nachusa House still stands to this day. The early foundation of the building is incorporated into the diorama.
The Historic Center is a proud affiliate of the Smithsonian Institution,
honored to be associated with the Library of Congress,
and is designated a regional interview center for the Veterans History Project.
honored to be associated with the Library of Congress,
and is designated a regional interview center for the Veterans History Project.
©2010 Dixon Historic Center