BISHOP HILL

historic village, Henry county, northwestern Illinois, U.S. The settlement was established in 1846 by Swedish immigrants led by Erik Jansson, who had been influenced by the Pietist movement in Sweden. Fearing persecution, Jansson and his followers emigrated to America. They named their new home for Biskopskulla, Swed., Jansson's birthplace, in 1846. The colony prospered through farming, and new immigrants brought the population to about 1,500. All things were owned in common under Jansson's direct control until he was murdered in 1850 by John Root, his cousin's husband. Jonas Olson then became the leader of the community, which was incorporated in 1853. Economic problems and internal dissension caused the collapse of communal life, however, and the property was divided among the settlers in 1861 and 1862. Many residents left the community, and the remainder became members of other churches. The settlers of Bishop Hill were superb carpenters and craftsmen, and several of the original buildings remain; some have been restored. Among these are the Old Colony Church, built in 1848 in the Greek Revival style, and the Steeple Building, constructed in 1854. Bishop Hill was designated a state historic site in 1946. The present village (inc. 1893) is in an agricultural and coal-mining area. Pop. (1990) 131.