Eldena, Illinois

Eldena, Illinois is an unincorporated community in Lee County, Illinois. The zip code is 61324

History

It was on July 10, 1863 that the “Town of Eldena” was platted on land of the Illinois Central Railroad. The earliest permanent settler in the township was Joseph Cartwright who settled there in 1838 and died the following year.

The first train to operate through Eldena was on January 13, 1855. A large timber about 2 1/2 ft. square and 8 ft. long was used for passengers to get on and off the train before the depot and platform was built. The first store and house in Eldena were built by Reuben H. Cheney.

External link

* [http://www.leecountyhistory.com/lee_county/eldena.htm History of Eldena]