John Deere Historic Site

Where it all began in Grand Detour, Illinois.

In 1836, a blacksmith named John Deere was struggling to find work in Vermont. Twice he tried to open his own shop and twice it burned down. Work was scarce.

At the time, Grand Detour, Ill., was in need of a blacksmith. But it was a dangerous journey that John Deere decided to make alone, leaving his pregnant wife Demarius and four children behind, planning for them to join him if he was successful. They arrived the following year, with newest baby Charles in tow. Demarius, as the story goes, walked the final steps with the baby in her hands, and handed him to John and said, "You take care of him. I've carried him all the way from Vermont."

Other funny stories, and much more, can be found at the John Deere Historic Site April-October. It's completely free, ensuring that everyone can learn about this important chapter in American history.

The archaeological dig site is one of the most fascinating features visitors will find.

John Deere's granddaughter, Katherine Butterworth, bought the John Deere homestead in the early 1900s. At the time, she had no idea that buried underground on one of the adjoining properties was the footprint from Deere's 1830s blacksmith shop. The dig, conducted by the University of Illinois in 1962, provides a tangible link to the past, revealing the tools and methods used by one of America's early innovators, her grandfather.

Eventually, Katherine donated the property to Deere and Company, who later deeded it to the John Deere Foundation. Shortly after opening the John Deere Historic Site, it became one of the first properties to be listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Today, the John Deere Historic Site exemplifies the pioneering spirit of the 19th century, and stands as a testament to those who dared to dream and build a better future. ‡