Bedford, Illinois (Pike County)

City: Bedford

County: Pike

State: Illinois

Lat/Long: 39.5167, -90.5833

Bedford was a small village situated about a mile and a half from Montezuma, Illinois along the Illinois River. Initially laid out by David Hoge in April 1836, it served as a successful river landing for years, facilitating the transport of pork, grain, and other produce to distant markets. It declined over time, most likely as a result of transportation competition from railroads such as the Illinois Central Railroad and from towns along the rail lines.

History of Pike County Illinois (Chicago: Chas. C. Chapman, 1880), 450.