Winnebago is one of the finalists in the 2017 Small Town Showdown. Here are some cool facts that show why Winnebago deserves your vote.

5 Things You Didn't Know About: Winnebago, Illinois
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    1

    Winnebago wasn't the town's original name

    In 1849, the area was called Elida. It was later renamed Winnebago after a Native American tribe that lived there.

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    2

    One of the first settler's homes still standing

    Winnebago was first settled in 1835 by David Adams Holt. Elijah Holt built a home in 1840 that still stands on Montague Rd. in Winnebago Township. It is part of Severson Dells

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    3

    Land was cheap in 1841

    The first land purchases in Winnebago were both in 1841 for the low price of $1.25 an acre. The price was low for many of the first land deals because it was wooded and not prairie land.

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    4

    Many of Winnebago's firsts happened in the same family

    Winnebago's first birth, first death and first school happened in the family of the first settler, David Adams Holt. Harriet Holt was born in 1836, her father David died in 1839, and in their home, the first school was taught.

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    5

    More than 10% of Winnebago's population fought in the Civil War

    In 1860, Winnebago township's population was 1002. During the Civil War (1861-1865) 150 soldiers and 2 nurses were sent from Winnebago. One mother sent 10 sons into battle.

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