Population (2010)
461
Visitor Information
Get your questions answered from the folks at the Pike County Chamber of Commerce (217.285.2971).
History
David Hull (History of Pike County)
Hull’s Station was platted by David Hull, Rensellaer Sweet, and William Bridge about the time the first railroad came through the area in 1871. The Hull family has certainly left its mark on the area. Thomas Hull came to Pike County early, moving here in 1829 with his family. His son, Charles, was one of the first to profitably farm the land in the township. David Hull was six years old when his family moved from Ohio to Pike County in 1836. David Hull did well farming and raising stock animals, in addition to having a hand in the original town plat.
The village of Hull today is a small agricultural community in the Mississippi floodplain that has had around 500 residents for about a century. From time to time, the river reminds residents of its proximity, like in 1993 when a levee break on July 25th flooded the town and surrounding area.
Exploring the Area
Local residents are working to preserve their history with a museum in an old bank, a livery, and an old jail. All three are located at the original town center, near the railroad tracks (Dixie & Main Sts.). If you wish to visit, call the Pike County Chamber of Commerce for the most current contacts (217.285.2971).
Park and Fish Recreation Area (563.263.7913) offers shore fishing from the Lock & Dam #22 spillway; it is southwest of Hull off Highway 106.
Entertainment and Events
Festivals
The Hull Town Picnic has been celebrated annually since 1932 (mid-August). Besides filling up on a chicken dinner, visitors can enjoy live music, a parade, and a talent show.
Hull is one of the communities that participates in the Pike County Fall Pickin’ Days, a chance to enjoy fall color and support local vendors in small towns as you drive around the countryside. Each community offers something a little different for visitors (October).
**Looking for more places to visit along the Mississippi River? Check out Road Tripping Along the Great River Road, Vol. 1. Click the link above for more. Disclosure: This website may be compensated for linking to other sites or for sales of products we link to.
Where to Go Next
Heading upriver? Check out Levee Township.
Heading downriver? Check out Kinderhook.
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If you like the content at the Mississippi Valley Traveler, please consider showing your support by making a one-time contribution or by subscribing through Patreon. Book sales don’t fully cover my costs, and I don’t have deep corporate pockets bankrolling my work. I’m a freelance writer bringing you stories about life along the Mississippi River. I need your help to keep this going. Every dollar you contribute makes it possible for me to continue sharing stories about America’s Greatest River!
©Dean Klinkenberg, 2016
