Local History Collections

The Local History Collection is a continually growing series of documents, catalogs, photos, news clippings, articles and other publications that tell the story of Galesburg's development and the College that started it all.

From the beginning to the events of just yesterday, the Local History Collection contains accounts of happenings in and around Knox County, with special attention to people, buildings, business and industries. Vintage photos, rare publications and pioneer accounts make this unique collection a valuable resource to local history researchers. Topics of local interest are often the subject of exhibits on campus and online.

Subject headings in the Local History Collection

Information and documents on the founding of Knox College and Galesburg

Some information from the Special Collections and Archives related to Galesburg and Knox County history is presented online. Please contact the staff in the Special Collections and Archives with specific questions about your research in local history.

Official Program: Galesburg-Knox College Centenary, 1937 (pdf)

Pioneer Honor Roll: A Pioneer Who's Who

Jerusha & Eli Farnham and the Loomis-Farnham Collection

Log City Days; Two narratives on the settlement of Galesburg, Illinois (pdf)

Knox County in the military

A review of the commerce, manufactures, and the public & private improvements of Galesburg: containing a brief history of Knox college and sketches of the first settlement of the town. Compiled and written by C.J. Sellon, Galesburg: J. Sherman, 1857.