The early pioneers of Grundy County came from southern Ohio, Pennsylvania, other eastern states, and a number of southern states. Most had been pioneers in older settlements in the states from which they came or had been members of frontier colonies founded by their fathers.

These early settlers came on foot, using a schooner-shaped wagon to haul provisions and possessions over parts of the National Road, the Wilderness Road or used many of the old Indian traces, which stretched out over the Illinois prairie. Others used a combination of water routes that were available throughout the old Northwest Territory including the Ohio River, the Des Plaines River, and the Great Lakes.

Most of these early pioneers settled in the timber ridge that skirted the margin of the rivers, creeks, and ravines in the area. This timber ridge provided a comfortable buffer zone between the banks of rivers and the sea of prairie grass and flowers, which had yet to be conquered and controlled.

Soon after the pioneers selected their sites, built their cabins and established their early settlements that were scattered throughout the area, the forces' economic and social progress changed the landscape of Grundy County. Soon communities were founded, markets were formed, roads were graded and businesses were established. In time, religious congregations formed, churches were built and schools were started.

Minooka Community High School District #111

School History

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