Incorporation was on February 16, 1865 for the "Village of Crotty" named after its founder, Jeremiah Crotty. The Village of Seneca was not legally termed such until March of 1957. Jeremiah Crotty, an Irish immigrant, contracted to build 11 miles of the Illinois & Michigan Canal, which bisects the Village. In 1854, the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad was built and designated the Village as a station stop known as "Seneca Station". It has never been determined why the railroad called it "Seneca". Seneca was also well known for the Shipyard, which built Navy warships called LST's or Landing Ship Tanks. The Shipyard was in operation from 1942 to 1945 with a final production of 157 LST's built. The shipyards played an important role in World War II because they helped people by providing money and many jobs to our community.
Much more to come.....
The Seneca Historical Guild is collecting memorabilia, information and items relating to our Village. If interested in donating items, please contact Village Clerk Therese Russell at (815) 357-8771 or e-mail at seneca@krausonline.com or Margie Nolan at the Seneca Library (815) 357-6566. If you wish to loan items to be scanned, please contact Margie directly. Thank you for your interest.