Knox County ILGenWeb

From the 1870 Atlas Map of Knox County, Illinois, Andreas, Lyter & Co., Davenport, Iowa, 91 pages.  [Submitted by Bob Miller.]

"Wataga was laid out in the spring of 1854, by Silas Willard, J. M. Holyoke, and Clark M. Carr.  The first house was erected during the same summer, and first store in October.

The 4th vein of Bituminous Coal is in the immediate vicinity, and contributes largely to the growth of the place.

Wataga is surrounded by a most beautiful country, the trade of which is mostly secures.  It has several fine Stores, a No. 1 Steam Flouring Mill, a first class Hotel, a number of fine private residences, a large public school house, &c., &c."