Dixon History
Tom shares stories that formed Dixon, IL as we know it today.
Watch Historical Presentations
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Dixon's Remarkable Role in the Civil War
Discover the three places in Dixon where Civil War soldiers were trained, the major military battles where Dixon soldiers fought, how Dixon women contributed to the effort, and other remarkable Civil War facts of local history.
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Dixon's Darkest Day: The Collapse of the Truesdell Bridge
The speech tells the shocking story of the May 4, 1873, Dixon Bridge Disaster, which occurred during a baptism ceremony in the Rock River.
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Billy Sunday's 1905 Revival in Dixon, IL, a Founder's Day address
Tom Wadsworth tells the story of evangelist Billy Sunday's five-week revival in Dixon, IL, in February and March of 1905.
Read Articles about Dixon History
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Dixon: The Great Stagecoach Transfer Station
Dixon: The Great Stagecoach Transfer Station, 2023.
This 130-page book, based on fresh research from local histories published over 100 years ago, reveals the surprising role of the stagecoach in the development of Northwestern Illinois in the years 1828 to 1855.
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Colonel Brinton and Dixon's Masonic Temple
“Great Brinton: Colonel Brinton and Dixon’s Masonic Temple,” Dixon Living Magazine, Summer 2022.
Brinton Avenue and the Masonic Temple are well known features of modern Dixon. This article uncovers the fascinating story behind the man and his home that he gave to the local Masonic lodge.
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Lowell Park History
Lowell Park History, 2023.
Lowell Park is the crown jewel of Dixon’s outstanding park system. This 40-page booklet reveals little-known historical details about the origin of the park and six of its most beloved features.
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Last Stop for the Sterling, Dixon & Eastern Electric Railway
Sterling-Rock Falls Living Magazine, Summer 2021.
This popular article reveals the story of the electric trolley car that offered passenger service between Dixon and Sterling from 1904 to 1925.
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How Dutch Helped Moon
Dixon Living Magazine, Summer 2023.
Everyone knows Ronald “Dutch” Reagan. But few realize how much he helped his big brother “Moon” reach the pinnacle of success in the media and advertising business.
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The Story Behind A.C. Bowers Field
Dixon Telegraph, Nov. 3, 2023.
Dixon High School’s athletic field has been known as A.C. Bowers Field since 1964. This is the story of A.C. Bowers and why the school board named this field after him.
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Dixon: The Great Stagecoach Transfer Station
Dixon Telegraph, Nov. 17, 2023.
This newspaper article is a condensed version of Tom’s book, telling the little-known story of Dixon’s pivotal role as a stagecoach transfer station from 1830 to 1855.
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How John Dement Foiled a Dixon Stagecoach Robbery
Dixon Telegraph, Dec. 1, 2023.
The Dement name is known throughout Dixon. One of Col. Dement’s claims to fame is the story of how he outwitted the notorious Banditti of the Prairie.
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The Kidnapping of Della Stackhouse
3 parts, Dixon Telegraph, Dec. 15, 22, 2023, and Jan. 5, 2024.
When first reported in December of 1946, this harrowing story about the wife of a Dixon doctor made the news throughout the U.S.
Discover more work by Dr. Tom Wadsworth
Tom is also an accomplished writer specializing in biblical studies and the garage door industry. Explore his recent articles and videos on these topics.