Civil War grotto restored in Barrington Hills

Submitted by P. Denise Israel

See the improvements made of the Civil War Monument Boulder and Grotto, at the corners of Old Sutton and Route 68. Village of Barrington Hills Volunteer Beautification Committee members worked with members of the New Friends Wesleyan Church to reclaim this historic site over several weeks. It was dedicated by American Legion Post 158 in 1933, with a plaque naming 88 of the locals who mustered in to the Union Army on this ground in 1861.

This past July marked the opening battles in a war that lasted four years and cost millions of dollars and tens of thousands of lives.

This area was the center of civilization in what is now known as Barrington Township, prior to towns or villages being settled or the railroad being laid. With the Algonquin Trail (now Route 62) running through the area, important military and government people are reported (recorded in history books and newspapers) to have come along that trail, stopping at the stage post at Barrington Center. General Grant was just one of those; it is thought that Abe Lincoln may have stopped over on his way between his jobs on the Fox and Mississippi rivers and Chicago when he was a young man.

The area played an important part in history and we should celebrate the importance of our heritage. If you are a history buff or are interested in the Civil War come join in the restoration projects in 2012. Email green@barringtonhills-il.gov or call (847) 551-3000.

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