Many cities named their streets after presidents, famous Americans, trees or nearby towns. But Dixon’s north side holds the distinction of having a large number of streets named after early Dixon settlers.

John Dixon was the first settler here in 1830. In 1835, he platted 40 acres on the river’s south bank, bounded by Ottawa, Peoria and Third streets. In 1842, he then surveyed and platted North Dixon, attaching names to the barren streets.

“Father” Dixon himself is probably the one who named the streets. After all, he was the original owner of that land, and he was the one who paid for the plat project.

Honoring the settlers

By naming the streets of North Dixon after other settlers, John Dixon graciously honored other early pioneers who helped him build a thriving village during Dixo

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