The John Patton Cabin, originally situated 3½ miles southeast of this site, was closely linked with relations between whites and Indians on the Illinois frontier. Built with the assistance of Kickapoo Indians from a nearby village, it was home to John and Margaret Wiley Patton and their 12 children. Three years later, these friendly relations were completely disrupted by the panic associated with the Black Hawk War of 1832. An addition to the cabin was left windowless and was dubbed "Fort Patton" by white settlers. In 1984 the cabin was restored to its 1829 appearance.