The Ordinance of 1787 (a modification of Thomas Jefferson’s Land Ordinance of 1784) is considered one of the most important pieces of legislation enacted by the infant Congress of the Confederation of the United States (1781-1789). Two years later, after the creation of our current Constitution and congressional system, the ordinance was reaffirmed, strengthen and called the Northwest Ordinance of 1789.
The legislation provided the basis for civil government in the newly acquired territory between the western boundaries of the original colonies and the Mississippi River. Six states; Ohio, Indiana. Illinois, Michigan, Wisconsin, and a portion of Minnesota were created from this territory between 1803 and 1858. The legislation, among other things, allowed for settlers the right to form their own government in the lands west of the Appalachian Mountains. For example, the land we know as Illinois was claimed by both Virginia and Connecticut.
For centuries before this legislation was passed, the land we call Illinois was inhabited by the Illiniwek confederation of Native peoples who shared similar language, culture and traditions. The French who were the first to make contact with theses tribes in 1673 called the land “Illinois” from the native word Illiniwek or “real or original ones.” Prominent among these tribes were the Peoria, Kaskaskia, Tamaroa and Michigamia. These people migrated north and south throughout the land following herds and the seasons of plenty.
Louis Jolliet said, “At first, when we were told of these treeless lands, I imagined that it was a country ravaged by fire, were the soil was so poor that it could produce nothing. But we have certainly observed the contrary; and no better soil can be found, either for corn, for vines, or any other fruit whatever.”
By 1750, the Illini tribes were reduced by 90 percent mostly by wars with the Iroquois tribes. Pressured by the French and English, the Potawatomi, Sac and Fox tribes began to migrate and establish villages in the Illinois country. It was these tribes that settlers Hobson, Scott and Naper would encounter in the early 19th century.
As an aside, there are only two counties named “Tazewell” in the United States. One is in Virginia and the other one in Illinois.
