5.0Bishop Hill State Historic Site(2 reviews) - Fascinating Bit of Swedish American History Historic Sites Visited Bishop Hill where 1846-1861 Swedish Utopian Religious followers of Jans(s)en settled in a communal arrangement. The historic sites are capably administered as an Illinois State Historic Site and by a local Bishop Hill Heritage Association. If you enjoy cultural, religious, and other history, it is a unique place to visit. Several local shops (pottery, fabric art, gifts, etc.) and food places. Helpful guides, particularly a docent at the church who had grown up in and then returned to Bishop Hill. The Steeple Building has many artifacts and displays of the local story. The commune disbanded in 1861, a few years after its charismatic fundamentalist founder was shot because of a family dispute. See more..