The first house was built in Oregon by James V. Gale in the year 1835. With the Eastern settlers moving evermore The first house was built in Oregon by James V. Gale in the year 1835. With the Eastern settlers moving evermore Westward, the small towns of Illinois began to increase in size and number. It was one of these individuals, William Moore with his wife and six children that made the trip from Pennsylvania in the mid 1840's to settle in Oregon. His home, which is now the front portion of the Inn, was constructed of brick, and consisted of four large rooms with a central staircase. The architectural style was Greek Revival. Later in 1848 Mr. Moore operated a grocery store in the building for a period of time and then established the first hotel for our city. The 1850 census lists Mr. Moore as an Innkeeper and the first newspaper for Oregon in 1851 advertises "Moore's Hotel" on the front page.

During this early period, Abraham Lincoln played an important part in Northern Illinois history, either through his military, Law Profession or Political Life. It was during the mid 1850's that Mr. Lincoln visited the "Moore Hotel" for lunch and lodging.

During its' life the Inn has experienced various owners and names, including: Moore Hotel, Oregon House, Rock River House, Blackhawk Hotel, and now Patchwork Inn. After eleven years of restoration the inn reopened in May 1999 with Innkeepers Ron Bry and Jean & Michael McNamara. We wish to extend the Inn's historical past into the future and to share it with you as our guests.