Jerseyville, the county seat of Jersey County, was originally established in 1829 under the name Hickory Grove. It was in 1834 when the community was renamed Jerseyville and the county grew from there. The first building in town was constructed in 1827 and called the "Little Red House." This was home to the first stagecoach station, the first tavern, school, post office and bank. Prior to the Civil War, "The Little Red House" was part of the Underground Railroad. Post Civil War, the Cheney Mansion was built around the structure and has since been beautifully restored to house the Jersey County Historical Society.

          Although Jersey County has grown significantly as times have changed, it is still a community that is very proud of its history rich traditions and culture. The original name of Hickory Grove can still be seen throughout the community in the form of the Hickory Grove Mercantile retail shop, the Hickory Grove restaurant and Hickory Grove Street.

          The economy in Jersey County stems from a solid historical base and continues to grow tremendously each and every year. Such an unyielding historical foundation provides the groundwork for a fabulous and flourishing future!

Top: Photo Montage of Hickory Grove Restaraunt, Street Sign, and Mercantile Retail Shop. Above: The Cheney Mansion "then" and "now."- All located in Jerseyville, IL.

Current Photography by The Cre8ive Pulse, Graphic Design & Creative Services; Historical Photo provided by the Jersey County Historical Society.