Calling all Elizabeths
A village near Galena plans to set a new world record every year.
© Beth Gauper
Costumed interpreters demonstrate frontier life at the Apple River Fort in Elizabeth, Ill.
In the northwest corner of Illinois, a little town called Elizabeth has upstaged its better-known neighbor, Galena.
Women flock to pretty Galena for its shopping and sampling. But Galena was built by miners and is named for a mineral, while Elizabeth is named for a heroic woman — three of them, all named Elizabeth.
On June 28, 2008, the town invited Elizabeths of all ages — middle names count — for a gathering that it hoped
would set the world record for Elizabeths. It did, and the next year the town bested its own world record on June 27,
2009.
While in Elizabeth, the Elizabeths pose for a group photo, witness the crowning of Queen Elizabeth, taste Elizabeth white wine from nearby Massbach Ridge Winery and watch a fashion show featuring styles from past to present.
Elizabeth got its name in 1832 during the Black Hawk War, when the legendary Sauk leader and about 150 warriors attacked a
hastily built log palisade around two cabins. Only a few men were inside to defend it.
But a woman named Elizabeth Armstrong rallied the women, who steadily reloaded muskets as soon as the men fired. In less than an hour, Black Hawk decided he was outgunned and left (See Black Hawk's pursuit).
The settlement later was named for Elizabeth Armstrong, who led the defense — at least, that's the official story.
"There were three Elizabeths at the fort, so it depends on who you're descended from," says Janice Myelle, an interpreter at the re-created Apple River Fort.
Modern-day Elizabeths will want to visit the fort, where costumed interpreters show how life was lived on the frontier. And as always, there will be lots going on Galena, 15 minutes to the west. For a full schedule, visit www.mostelizabeths.com and www.galena.org.
The high point of Illinois is only 10 miles north of Elizabeth and can be visited by permission on the first weekend of the
month, June through September. For details, see Peak
hiking.
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