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Formerly known as “Tobacco City USA”, Edgerton  looks toward the future while acknowledging its past and origins.  Used to be called Fulton Station before it was renamed Edgerton.  This community of 5,461 was named after by Benjamin Hyde Edgerton  or his brother Elisha in 1853.  Here are a couple of famous people who grew up here. This is the Sterling North House, now a museum.  The museum hold a book festival the last Saturday in September.

There is a larger Sterling North marker located at Albion Park. Also the former Albion Academy.

Another historic marker is in town, including one explaining more about Edgerton’s tobacco heritage. It is located at N42º49.133′ W089º04326′, on Lord Street just south of downtown.

Edgerton was not just famous for its tobacco, pottery also played an important part in putting Edgerton on the map. You can find these origins at Clay Pit Heritage Park. Located at 305 W. Lawton St, you will find the log cabin of Pauline Jacobus, taken apart in another location and rebuilt here in 2003.

Let’s head downtown and see some of the historic buildings there.

About 20 of the original tobacco buildings still exist, complete with the old signs painted on the side or front of the building.

These were turned into housing, Tobacco City Lofts. Great idea!

We also stopped at the Edgerton Public Library, another beautiful historic building. While we were there, we met a couple of local historians, Larry and Beverly Witzel.  Larry’s family were among the original residents in this community.  They educated us about Edgerton and showed us some great books about Edgerton’s past. We saw a historic home that was in the book near the library.  Thanks for the history lesson!

The Andrew McIntosh home

The former City Scales downtown, now Mario’s Italian Restaurant.

Other Local Businesses Worth Visiting

Jim’s Auto Trim and Upholstery

Owner Ace Illbeck is a friendly guy who is never too busy to say “hi” to passersby, his dog is just as friendly.

Edgerton Oasis and Truck Stop – Exit off of I – 90

The friendly staff ready to answer your questions and help in any way.

On March 22, 2017 we had breakfast there at their Winchester Family Restaurant. Delicious food and friendly atmosphere.

Chamber of Commerce is located in the Depot. The Depot Cafe is no longer open (2018).

Edgerton has many festivals throughout the year that draws people from all over the country.  Tobacco Heritage Days celebrates their tobacco history with many family activities.

This year we attended for the first time the 25th Annual Chilimania on September 6. What a great festival!  This is a chili-cookoff competition drawing people from miles around.  Many of the competitors even wore costumes.  Come to Chilimania if you like chili, as you get to taste the chili and vote for your favorite!

Edgerton is a friendly community that we plan on returning to again and again. We had a lot of fun here!