The Highland Historical Society Welcomes You
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Highland, Illinois is one of the oldest Swiss settlements in the United States. It was founded in 1831 by Swiss pioneers from Sursee, Switzerland. Led by Dr. Kasper Koepfli, the party formed the settlement of New Switzerland on October 14, 1831. Highland means "High Land" in Switzerland. Our city has shared the title of "Sister City" with the town of Sursee, Switzerland, since 1976. The name Highland was chosen in 1836 when General Joseph Semple convinced the settlers the area resembled his native homeland of Scotland.
The Highland Historical Society proudly maintains and furthers the legacy of Louis A. Latzer, one of Highland's early citizens, and the man who perfected the process of condensing milk, thus making milk more widely available to the masses. He is called the "Father of Pet Milk."
Located nearly 35 miles east of St. Louis, today Highland is home to nearly 9,500 residents. It has a long history of being a progressive municipality, successfully blending industry within a small town atmosphere. Highland is home to many big industries, such as the Basler Electric Co., Cooper B-Line, Inc., the Wicks Organ Company, the Korte Construction Company, Korte Luitjohan Contractors, Highland Supply Corp., Highland Machine, and one of the Wall Street Journal's nationwide network of printing plants. Many smaller businesses also call Highland, Illinois home.
Highland Historical Society
P. O Box 51
Highland IL 62249