About Highland, Illinois

Highland is one of the oldest Swiss settlements in the United States. The city was founded in 1831 by Swiss pioneers from Sursee, Switzerland. Led by Dr. Kasper Koepfli, the party formed the settlement of New Switzerland on Oct. 14, 1831. The name Highland was chosen in 1836 when Gen. Joseph Semple conviced the settlers the area resembled his native homeland of Scotland.

Pet Evaporated Milk also has its roots in Highland. A young Swiss immigrant named John Meyenberg had come to America to sell his idea of canning as a preservative. In 1885, the Helvetia Milk Condensing Co. was formed. Two years later, Louis A. Latzer took over the company and eventually perfected the process of condensing milk. The company eventually changed its name to Pet, which was its most popular brand of condensed milk. The Louis Latzer Homestead still stands on Old Trenton Road south of Highland, a short distance from the Tour de Stooges course.

Business and industry continue to play a key role in Highland today. Highland is home to Wicks Organ Co., a leading manufacturer of pipe organs used by churches, universities and other institutions nationwide. The city also is home to one of The Wall Street Journal's nationwide network of printing plants.

In Lindendale Park stands a tribute to Swiss poet Heinrich Bosshard, who wrote the poem "Sempacherlied" while living in Highland. The poem became the basis of the Swiss national anthem, and the Swiss Society of America erected a monument to him in 1909 in the park.

Lindendale Park is the home of the Helvetia Sharpshooters, our new host for the Tour de Stooges, as well as to the Madison County Fair.