Brush Point, Illinois facts for kids
Brush Point was a small community that once existed in DeKalb County, Illinois, United States. It's now considered a "ghost town" because it no longer exists as a populated place. Brush Point was located in Mayfield Township, which is northwest of Sycamore and north of DeKalb.
Contents
What Was Brush Point?
Brush Point was a community, like a small village or settlement, that was active in the early 1800s. It was one of many small places that sprang up as people moved into new areas. However, not all of these communities grew into big towns. Some, like Brush Point, eventually disappeared.
The Big Decision: County Seat
In June 1839, Brush Point had a chance to become a very important place. It was one of three towns being considered to become the county seat for DeKalb County. A county seat is the main town in a county where the government offices are located. It's usually the most important and busiest town in the area.
- Being chosen as the county seat would have brought many people and businesses to Brush Point.
- A doctor named Henry Madden, who lived in Brush Point, strongly supported his community for this important role.
However, Brush Point ultimately lost the competition. The honor of becoming the county seat went to Sycamore instead.
Why Did Brush Point Disappear?
After losing the county seat competition, Brush Point slowly faded away. Without the growth and attention that a county seat would bring, people likely moved to other, growing towns. This is how many small settlements from the past became "ghost towns."
Brush Point's Schoolhouse
Even though the community of Brush Point is gone, there's still a reminder of its past. The old Brush Point School building once stood there. It was located at 42°01′41″N 88°45′13″W / 42.02806°N 88.75361°W. This schoolhouse is a historical landmark that shows where the community once thrived.
