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The Crossroads area in Long Grove was first settled in the 1830's.
Farmers & craftsmen from Alsace - Lorraine, seeking freedom
and prosperity, made the arduous trek across the Atlantic to America,
the "Land of Opportunity".
When the Erie Canal opened in 1825, many journeyed further west
with their families as the Great Lakes offered easier and quicker
passage to where they could purchase available land.
The sought-after priorities were: good farmland, good water, abundance
of woodlands, and trailways to other nearby communities. Long
Grove (which was, at that time, named Muttersholz, after their
former European home), supplied all they had hoped for. The farmland
was rich and flat and relatively free of boulders; well water
was easily obtained, the long grove of oak, hickory, and other
hardwood trees, gave them good building materials and plentiful
fuel. Then too, the trails already developed by Native Americans,
provided them easy access to Chicago, Wisconsin, Lake Michigan
and other points; good for both commerce and congeniality.
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Today, buildings in the crossroad area are marked
with plaques identifying the original owners and their occupations.
Granted, the blacksmiths, grist mills, and dairies no longer operate,
but their structures house a myriad of intriguing shops to visit.
The 1840's Long Grove Church has continued to have regular services
since its dedication.
Via the covered bridge, you can wander through a bit of early
America with its one room school, early taverns, and general and
specialty stores for a great variety of furnishings, memorabilia,
clothing and food.
The Ruth Barn (circa 1850) and the current Historical Society
Herb Garden
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Near the Archer One Room School
House
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