Ford Dealer in Ottawa IL

Ottawa, Illinois is not quite as big as its Canadian counterpart. Nevertheless, it is big on culture and history. Ottawa possesses a lot of those two things in its confined city limits. The result is a town that should not simply be judged by its size.

Ottawa, Illinois was founded in 1853. A small town even then, Ottawa gained fame due to it hosting the first of the Lincoln-Douglas Debates in 1858. This would be the first of many historical events held in Ottawa.

Leading up to the Civil War, Ottawa was a major stop on the Underground Railroad. Many of the city's denizens helped people escape slavery and find freedom.  

Another major contribution made by Ottawa came in the form of the Boy Scouts of America. William Dickson Boyce, an Ottawa resident, incorporated the organization. Today, there is a museum in Ottawa dedicated to the history of one of America's oldest and proudest youth groups.

Ottawa resides at a point where the Illinois and Fox Rivers converge. This makes Ottawa a prime location for river transportation, a fact that has helped the city retain a thriving economy throughout its history.

Today, the city has a population of 18,562 residents. There are plenty of small shops and historic sites for residents and guests to visit.

The Reddick Mansion and Gardens are home to some wonderful artistic creations. For natural works of art, Buffalo Rock State Park offers an abundance of spectacular sites. No matter what your heart yearns for, the town of Ottawa, Illinois is sure to have what both you and it need.