Dixon, County seat in Lee County, Illinois
Dixon is a city in Lee County in northern Illinois, positioned along the Rock River. The town covers roughly 7 miles (11 kilometers) and includes residential streets, a downtown area, and government offices.
John Dixon set up a ferry crossing on the Rock River in 1828, which encouraged settlement in the area. The community grew and was later formally recognized as a city and seat of local government.
The Northwest Territory Historic Center, housed in Ronald Reagan's boyhood school, contains exhibits about local history and the 40th president's early years.
The park district manages green spaces, trails, and sports fields open to visitors. Downtown sits near the river and is easy to walk around.
The city holds two state titles: Petunia Capital of Illinois since 1999 and Catfish Capital of Illinois since 2009. These honors celebrate the local tradition of flower gardening and river fishing.
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