The first settler to stop at the site of the village of Paw Paw was the famous Army officer, General Windfield Scott. He and his troops followed old Indian trails that led from Chicago to Galena during the Black Hawk War. The city is named after a tree which bears a sweet, small fruit similar to the taste and shape of a banana.

* Lee County Sheriff's Non-emergency number

For emergencies dial 911.

The Paw Paw Community Center includes office space for the village president, clerk, police, and the American Legion. The building also houses the Paw Paw Library, a Conference Room, and disabled accessible rest rooms. A dining hall and kitchen in the basement are used for special community functions. Recently a new annex was added with an elevator to provide disabled access to both levels.

The Paw Paw Village Park is a beautiful place to gather for outdoor events. It has picnic shelters, a bandshell, playground equipment, and the American Legion Memorial monument. The annual Lions sponsored Labor Day Homecoming activities are held here.

The Mendota Hills Windfarm 2 miles west of Paw Paw is the first commerical windfarm in Illinois.