Historic Bishop Hill

Bishop Hill was founded in 1846 by a group of Swedish immigrants led by Erik Jansson. They aimed to establish a religious commune based on their interpretation of the Bible, emphasizing communal living, shared property ownership, and rejecting organized religion and private property. Despite facing challenges like conflicts with neighbors, leadership struggles, and financial difficulties, the community thrived for a time. The colony's impact on Illinois was significant, attracting over a million Swedish settlers to the state between 1830 and 1900.

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Bishop Hill's experiment with religious communism was part of a broader movement of communal societies in the 19th century, attracting immigrants seeking religious freedom and economic opportunities in the United States. Its influence extended beyond its dissolution, contributing to the growth of Swedish communities in Illinois and shaping the state's cultural landscape. Today, Bishop Hill stands as a testament to the resilience and pioneering spirit of its Swedish immigrant founders.