Pursuant to the efforts of newspaperman and 10-term Prophetstown mayor George S. Brydia, who also served many terms as a representative in the Illinois General Assembly, the state park was founded in 1947.
As a result of the efforts of George S. Brydia, a notable figure who served as mayor of Prophetstown for 10 terms and represented the state in the Illinois General Assembly, the state park was created in 1947.