Ogle County, IL

County in Northwest IL

What is now Ogle County was once a part of the Northwest Territory.

In 1809 the Territory of Illinois was formed and included Wisconsin and Peninsular Michigan. In 1818 Illinois, in its present boundaries, became the 21st State to join the Union.

Ogle County was formed in 1836 from a part of Jo Daviess County.

The name, Ogle, was suggested by Thos. Ford in memory of Capt. Joseph Ogle who distinguished himself for his courage and coolness in the early days of the State’s history.

The first session of the Ogle County Commissioner’ Court was held at Oregon on January 3, 1837, and Oregon was chosen to be the County Seat.

Because there was so much dissension, efforts were made to divide the County and on February 27, 1839, the Legislature approved an act creating Lee County out of the southern half of Ogle county, with Dixon as its County Seat.

In December 1839, the County Board ordered the town of Oregon to be called Florence; in 1843, however, it was renamed Oregon.

Names of other towns were once different than those used today. Rochelle was once called Lane; Byron, Bloomingville; Polo, Buffalo Grove and St. Mary’s. Plans for a courthouse were adopted on December 4, 1838, and in 1841 the building was completed – only to be burned before it could be occupied.

Sponsors of Ogle County, IL


Since the founding of our communities, organizations, businesses and citizens have stepped forward to build and serve their community. Click on any of the logos below to learn about those who made this website possible! If you would like to learn about becoming a sponsor CLICK HERE!

Towns of Ogle County, IL


The small towns of the Midwest are rich in history and a great way of life! Below you can visit and learn about the small towns we call home! Towns that have their name highlighted have become FEATURED TOWNS. Businesses/organizations from these towns have stepped forward as SPONSORS enabling us to include (or will include as acquired) stories and website links to ALL their community organizations (chambers, groups and departments, etc.), stories and website links to ALL their points of interest, annual festivals/events and stories done about their citizens, veterans and faith community. To learn how to become a featured town CLICK HERE!

Businesses of Ogle County, IL


The businesses of our towns are truly the lifeblood of each community, click on any businesses below to learn about them, to learn how to add your business to your town and county page CLICK HERE!