The first settlers in Port Byron, Illinois were Archibald Allen and the Syms brothers who arrived in 1828. Allen named the area Canaan, a Biblical term for “promised land”. He was a postmaster, road commissioner and true pioneer who later lamented the loss of log cabins and the “old ways”.

Indians were an everyday part of early settlers’ lives. Reportedly, some offered one settler to trade two ponies for his wife. Rejected, the Indians returned offering to throw in two blankets. Curious Indians reportedly peeked into early school windows, blocking the light.

The Village was laid out in 1836 by Samuel Allen (Archie’s brother), Moses Bailey, Dr. Patrick Gregg and Nathaniel Belcher. It was reportedly named Port Byron for the poet Byron by businessman Belcher. Port Byron was a natural choice for settlement because of the closeness to the river, a transportation source, rich farmland and an abundance of game and fruit and nut trees.