Lowell, Illinois facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Lowell, Illinois
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 Lowell, Illinois
Location in Illinois
Lowell, Illinois
Location in the United States
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| Country | United States |
| State | Illinois |
| County | LaSalle |
| Township | Vermillion |
| Elevation | 623 ft (190 m) |
| Time zone | UTC-6 (Central (CST)) |
| • Summer (DST) | UTC-5 (CDT) |
| Area code(s) | 815 & 779 |
| GNIS feature ID | 412706 |
Lowell is a small, quiet place in LaSalle County, Illinois, United States. It's known as an unincorporated community, which means it doesn't have its own local government like a city or town. Instead, it's managed by the county. You can find Lowell about 4 miles (6.4 km) southeast of Oglesby, right along Illinois Route 178.
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Lowell, Illinois: A Glimpse into History
Lowell was first planned out around 1830 by a man named William Seeley. For a while, it was a busy and important place. Its location was perfect for growth.
Why Lowell Grew
Lowell became a thriving spot for several reasons. It was located on the important Peoria-Chicago Stagecoach Route, which was like a major highway back then. Travelers and goods passed through regularly.
The Vermilion River also played a big role. Its waterpower was used to run mills. People also found coal near the river, which was a valuable resource.
Because of these advantages, Lowell developed many businesses. It had several stores and taverns where people could buy supplies and relax. There was also a mill, which likely processed grains, and a brick factory. A special railroad track, called a spur, connected Lowell to the main Burlington Railroad, making it easier to transport goods.
A Champion for Freedom: Benjamin Lundy
One of Lowell's most famous residents was Benjamin Lundy. He was a Quaker, a member of a religious group known for its peaceful beliefs. Lundy was also a strong abolitionist, meaning he was against slavery.
He moved to Illinois to continue the work of Elijah Parish Lovejoy, another anti-slavery activist. Lundy published a newspaper called Genius of Universal Emancipation from Lowell. This newspaper was very important in spreading ideas against slavery across the country.
What Happened to Lowell?
Over time, Lowell became less important. As new transportation methods developed and other towns grew, Lowell's role as a busy hub faded. Today, it's a much quieter place. However, it still offers activities like river rafting on the Vermilion River for people to enjoy.
